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Science

Science is the process of finding out about the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the world through investigation.  Science teaches methods of enquiry which stimulate creative thinking. This reflects the Bedalian tradition of learning through exploration and experience – head, hand and heart. At Dunannie we seek to develop the child's scientific awareness and understanding of the immediate and wider environment, through observation, investigation and evaluation.

Class teaching involves the use of the immediate environment, orchard, pond area and gardens. We have strong links with Bedales and benefit tremendously from expertise and wonderful resources in the Bedales estate.  For example, experts from the Physics department help with rocket demonstrations and design, Biology staff help with minibeast identification and we can do pond-dipping at Dunhurst. Science teaching includes a full range of practical investigations and tasks, class-based research, experiments and demonstrations. Cross-curricular links are made whenever possible.  Visiting experts also bring science to life in imaginative and exciting ways.

We provide opportunities for children to be curious, and experience and explore the world about them with all their senses. Children learn about science in order to:

• know and understand the life processes of living things
• know and understand the physical processes of materials, electricity, light, sound and natural forces   
• know about the nature of the solar system, including the earth.

We ask the children to think scientifically as they plan and carry out scientific investigations, through observing, questioning, communicating and evaluating evidence. They learn to present their conclusions clearly using appropriate scientific language.  Open-ended tasks extend more able children.

Children are encouraged to use equipment correctly, and realise the effect they have on the things around them, living and non-living, which helps to promote a sense of responsibility and awareness.

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