Curriculum Planning Guidelines – Phase 3: Implementation
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Whole school – Case Study: Linking science literacy and community at Serpell Primary School
“Science acts as the driver, the way to engage and excite students in their learning has led the way in developing a culture of inquiry through the school,” – Sue Young, Assistant Principal, Serpell Primary School.
School: Serpell Primary School
Location: Templestowe
Students: 853
Serpell Primary School is an excellent example of how an inquiry-based teaching approach can effectively engage students in science. In the past two years science education has been transformed.
In the past, science did not have a significant profile, teachers lacked confidence in this subject area and little class time was devoted to science and inquiry learning outcomes.
The introduction of Primary Connections coincided with the introduction of Victoria Essential Learning Standards (VELS) and Principles of Learning and Teaching P-12 (PoLT), creating a renewed enthusiasm for science and an engaging pedagogy.
5Es approach
Following the introduction of VELS, Serpell took a fresh approach using the 5Es inquiry model outlined in the Primary Connections program. This approach allows teachers to link literacy to science using a sequential learning model.
The 5Es approach follows a sequence of:
- Engage – each Primary Connections unit begins with a lesson that captures children’s interest through an activity or question.
- Explore – students carry out hands-on activities in which they explore a concept or skill.
- Explain – after students have explored a concept or skill the teacher guides students to develop explanations for the experience.
- Elaborate – encourages students to apply what they have learned to a new situation.
- Evaluate – an opportunity for students to review and reflect on their learning.
See: Primary Connections (http://www.science.org.au/primaryconnections/5Es.htm)
Teaching methods
Serpell introduced a ‘real-life’ approach to teaching science. Lessons focused on experiences students could relate to and units of work that nurtured an interest in the students’ world.
Methods included: group tasks, field trips, opportunities to share experiences, home activities, classroom displays, science competitions and engaging experiments.
Achievements
Serpell PS has embraced a cooperative learning model and its links to a multi-disciplinary, multi-domain approach. The result has seen the introduction of a two-year Scope and Sequence chart guiding a student pathway for science. Serpell PS has developed:
- links between school, home and the local community through science
- teachers who are more confident about teaching science
- students who are engaged and energised through authentic real-life events
- science as a part of everyday life at school.
The future at Serpell PS
Serpell PS is seeking to re-examine the PoLT components and determine where they need to strengthen links. The school is also hoping to extend home and community links to further enhance learning.
Contact
Sue Young
Assistant Principal
Email: serpellps@edumail.vic.gov.au
Telephone: (03) 9842 8182