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Academic
Science at Malvern College Preparatory School firstly involves the process of discovery and then seeing how that discovery applies to real-life situations. Our philosophy is that science is all about rolling up your sleeves and getting involved: identifying different species in the nature reserve, built by our pupils and opened by Jonathan Porritt; or designing working models in Lego Technic.
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| Finding the connection - making electrical circuits with Year 6 |
At Malvern College Preparatory School, we are very proud of our purpose-built laboratories, fully equipped for all our children, from year 3 up to Year 8. Science is a practically-taught subject where investigations are often carried out to reinforce the subject matter. Years 3 to 6 follow the National Curriculum programme of study for Key Stage 2 and Years 7 and 8 follow the Common Entrance syllabus in preparation for public school examinations.
In the Pre-Prep, we try to encourage a love of the natural world and foster a keen interest in the world around us. From a very early age, pupils are encouraged to ask questions about their world and to try simple experiments and investigations. In the Foundation Stage this may include making a jelly or drawing around a puddle as it dries up. Early experiences are of paramount importance and pupils are taught to respect and look after the environment through the Forest Schools project and the Young Gardeners incentive.
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| Science is a process of discovery |
As pupils move into the Prep School, they continue to follow the guidelines laid down by the National Curriculum throughout Key Stage Two. Malvern College Preparatory School is able to offer an enriched curriculum for science because of the beautiful school grounds and Nature Reserve that offer a wealth of opportunities for science teaching. The surrounding area including the glorious Malvern Hills provides opportunities for very successful cross-curricular teaching in science and the humanities.
Whenever possible we also try to establish cross-curricular links between our science teaching and our PHSE and Citizenship. This is particularly successful in areas such as drug and substance abuse and growing up and adolescence.
Staff teaching science at Malvern College Preparatory School recognize that enthusiasm and making the most of opportunities as they occur may be more important than expensive scientific equipment. A snowy day or condensation on the classroom windows are both subjects, which will promote healthy discussion. Many experiments require very little in the way of specialist equipment but children love to tackle practical tasks and to this end we try to include as much practical work as possible.
In Years 7 and 8, the older pupils are able to use and make good use of the early skills they have gained in science. Science is taught as three subjects with pupils sitting examinations in biology, chemistry and physics. Senior pupils have the opportunity to work in the senior lab and at times at Malvern College. The subject content is consolidated through the use of video and ICT.
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