Science and Technology

The STEM subjects of science, design technology and computing are a central part of the school’s curriculum, enabling children to develop their skills and understanding within these areas, whilst also developing links between them. Alongside regular opportunities to develop computing and scientific investigation skills across the year, the school also delivers an annual Learning Adventure in which the STEM subjects are the primary focus. Our STEM focused Learning Adventures are delivered through a mantle of the expert approach, providing highly motivating and purposeful contexts for the children’s learning in these areas. As a result of this high-quality provision, we aim to develop children’s love of the STEM subjects, whilst also developing the scientists, engineers and technology specialists of the future.

Science
The Rushcombe science curriculum aims to empower each child to view themselves as scientists, capable of making their own discoveries about the world around them. Each academic year, the school develops a Learning Adventure which provides a focus upon environmental science, including the study of living things and habitats. In addition, our STEM themed Learning Adventures provide opportunities for scientific study linked to everyday materials (key stage 1) and physics (key stage 2). Our approach to learning in science couples regular scientific inquiry with the development of scientific knowledge, and covers a range of areas based upon the programmes of study from the National Curriculum. Children are regularly encouraged to raise their own scientific questions and to plan their own investigations, before engaging in careful analysis of results and drawing conclusions.

Design Technology
The Rushcombe design technology curriculum provides a range of highly engaging product design and make projects. Children develop their Design Technology skills by analysing products in the environment around them, developing their own designs, practising skills, creating prototypes, developing final products and engaging in testing and evaluation. During their time at Rushcombe First School, children explore aspects such as designing and making freestanding structures, making moving vehicles / toys and products controlled by computer programming.

Computing
The computing curriculum is delivered across the academic year, with children regularly developing and practising their skills within a range of curriculum areas and Learning Adventures. Taught lessons focus specifically upon skills development and are supplemented by regular opportunities to apply and develop skills in creative, purposeful contexts. The foundation of the computing curriculum supports children to use technology safely and responsibly, particularly when working online. During their time at the school, children develop a broad range of knowledge and skills, including developing their understanding of the internet, using a variety of software to accomplish certain goals and designing, writing and debugging programs.