Science at Highfields

Science is an integral part of all of our lives, with links to many other subjects, including maths and computing. At Highfields children are encouraged to investigate, solve problems and ask questions about a wide range of aspects of the world around them and to explore aspects of biology, chemistry and physics in the most practical and engaging ways possible.

Children are encouraged to think scientifically and to ask questions about the world around them. The children tell us that the learn well when the lessons are practical so we use a curriculum that maximises the opportunities to work practically.

Educational visits regularly have a science theme as their basis. Children are lucky that the school is situated near to a range of different environments which they can explore. In addition children have had the opportunity  to experience pond dipping and animal encounters at local zoos. The extensive school grounds offer the chance for investigations to be carried out, including the growing of plants in the school garden.

Volunteers from the PACE Education Team (Practical Actions for Climate and Environment) will, throughout the year, be working with the different year groups in the school to provide pupils with a better understanding of their local environment and what can be found on their own doorstep. PACE provide hands on, interactive workshops in different habitat settings showing pupils the animals that live there and what they each need to survive and flourish.

If you would like to find out more about PACE and see how you can become involved please visit their website at www.pacemanningtree.org.uk. For example did you know that there is a local community energy scheme; the water quality of the river Stour is regularly sampled and assessed; and that there are many other interesting projects run by their volunteers within the local community.