Learning to read so we can read to learn and gain pleasure is at the heart of all areas of the curriculum. Early reading is therefore our first, foremost and central priority in school so all children are readers. Books are enjoyed and used across all curriculum areas as highly valued hooks, tools and a way of escaping in to other worlds, times, places and situations.
Science is a highly valued subject at Sandal Castle Primary.
4LG made lava lamps using oil, water and food colouring. The oil molecules rose to the top of the bottle and the water sunk to the bottom. When we dropped in an effervescent tablet, it sank to the bottom and started dissolving, creating a gas. As the gas bubbles rose, they took some of the coloured water with them. When the blob of water reached the top, the gas escaped and the water returned to the bottom.
Circuits in Year 6
Year 2 Minibeast Hunt - June 2019
As part of our Science work on habitats, Year Two have been taking part in minibeast hunts this week. We have been identifying animals that we can find living in our natural environment, and then discussing why they are best suited to living in these locations.
Countryside Live - May 2019
We had a fantastic day at the show and children thoroughly enjoyed the range of activities. The Ferret World Roadshow was definitely a highlight –the host was really interesting and delivered information at a level the children could understand and engage in. They absolutely loved racing against the ferrets and each other! Children commented on how much they enjoyed the pond dipping and it was great that they had something to take home with them from the felt flower making activity. We also got to see some very tiny, cute bats and watch a hilariously funny sheep show!
Nuffield Health and Wellbeing project
We are working with colleagues from Nuffield in supporting our children in developing their mental health, physical health and well being.
The children explored the food categories and how to eat healthily to support our physical and mental health. They learnt that oranges help support against low mood and avocados are full of good fat- only half of one counts as one of your five a day! They played a game where the children explored vegetables and fruit that they were maybe not as familiar with and discovered how these could be worked into our diets for our health and mental well being.
Outdoor physical activity
Cross Curricular Library
Our children in KS2 have created their own artistic interpretations of the Northern Lights after learning about this scientific phenomenon and reading a wonderful text called Aurora from our Cross Curricular Library which explores the legends and myths behind the lights.
This year we have achieved the Primary Science Quality Mark (Silver).
The PSQM ensures that science remains high profile in school. It helps us evaluate and develop all aspects of science teaching and learning in our school.
Our submission for Round 13 Primary Science Quality Mark at Silver level was successful. 347 schools have achieved a PSQM award this round. We are very proud to have attained this nationally recognised status.
Please click the link below for the press release
We will be joining a local hub of science subject leaders, evaluating and moderating the quality of science within our school.
Achievement of the PSQM award celebrates our schools commitment to excellent primary science.
Science Week June 2018
Our children are taking part in CSI workshops as part of our Science week.
W1: Chromatography / Handwriting Analysis
W2: Finger Printing
W3: Lie Detecting Behavioural Analysis
W4: Photo-fit Construction
W5: Shoe Rubbings / Footprints
Look out for our photo gallery!
Sandal Castle Bake Off - May 2018
Children across school thoroughly enjoyed taking part in our school Bake Off competition this week- the cakes were original, exciting and delicious and show cased some excellent baking skills! A community cafe was held during the afternoon; parents and neighbours visited to purchase cakes. £405 was raised for our school library funds.
Reversible and Irreversible Changes
Children learn that some physical changes are readily reversible (such as freezing and melting), while some are not because new substances have been produced).
Our Science focus in Year 5 to begin 2018 is exploring Space. Already Jessica and Isaac have brought in some excellent resources to share with the class and enrich their learning. They are learning a lot from our favourite astronaut’s book: this morning they discovered that his favourite thing is brushing his teeth next to a window overlooking the Earth. Jessica’s star map has been a big hit and once the lights are turned off, they can see a map of all the constellations, our favourite was the one shaped like a slice of pizza!
We are extremely fortunate to work with the Country Trust and the Food Discovery Project. As part of the project our children experience farm visits; Ledston Estate and Swillington Organic Farm and 2 cooking days in school.
Outdoor Learning - Den Building
Our Year 1 children experienced 3 days of Den Building activity with Chris Harmon. The children used many different materials and equipment to make some spectacular dens.
Elite Coaching visited school to talk about Nutrition and Lifestyles.
Making A Wormery
Mini Beast Hunt
Using the extensive school grounds, our children explored the environment investigating the habitats of a range of mini beasts
Science Week 2017
We had a fantastic week celebrating Science. All the children got to experience hands on and interactive learning experiences through a range of activities including a Science Fair where parents were invited to join us.