Doncaster Council

Introduction

Science education in Doncaster demonstrates a very positive picture. Many pupils achieve well and show a high level of interest in science. A good number of pupils wish to continue their education in science and seek employment in science-related fields.

Three of Doncaster's secondary schools have a special designation to teaching science.

The current contact for information regarding science within primary schools in Doncaster is David Cartwright, School Improvement Adviser.  For any information or advice, David can be contacted on (01302) 736961, e-mail david.cartwright@doncaster.gov.uk.

The main contact for secondary science in Doncaster Authority is Lorraine Cooke, e-mail lorraine.cooke@doncaster.gov.uk.  Lorraine can also be contacted at the Carr House Centre, Danum Road, Doncaster, DN4 5HF, telephone (01302) 735887 or fax (01302) 734713.

Foundation Stage

Younger pupils in our primary schools get off to a very good start. The Foundation Stage provision in Doncaster schools makes available a wide range of interesting work for young children. Foundation Stage profiles for individual children show that many are making a very good start to their education in science.

Throughout the early years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 there is a strong emphasis on teaching the skills associated with Attainment target 1 - Scientific Enquiry. This practical approach is to teach the children the skills of planning, obtaining evidence and considering evidence that will lead them to become increasingly independent and enable them to reason, predict and conduct their own scientific enquiries.

Key Stage 1

At Key Stage 1 (KS1), pupils' attainment in science is broadly in line with the national average. Many pupils make good progress in their early years in school, and pupils' attainment is comparable to that found in local education authorities of a similar character to Doncaster. 

The skills that are acquired in the early years Foundation Stage are consolidated and developed within KS1, where the emphasis is on first hand experience and pupil involvement in their learning.

Key Stage 2

Pupils maintain a good level of progress in Key Stage 2. Many pupils show great interest in their work in science and observations made during school inspections demonstrates a good quality of education provided. 

For the Local Authority as a whole pupils’ attainment in science at the end of Key Stage 2 is broadly in line with all schools nationally and also broadly in line with local education authorities of a similar nature to Doncaster.

All schools work hard to ensure that pupils are given the opportunity to develop as scientists, whilst appreciating science through extra-curricular activities. Science activities are carefully planned, enabling pupils to develop links across the curriculum.

Key Stage 3

Secondary schools are making substantial improvements to their provision through involvement with the Key Stage 3 national science strategy. 

Pupil standards’ of attainment have risen significantly in recent years and pupils in Doncaster Local Education Authority are gaining results broadly in line with the national average and also in line with Local Authorities of a similar character to Doncaster.

Key Stage 4

In the 14-19 phase many pupils continue their education in science and gain good results. The relative indicator figures at GCSE for science indicate that pupils’ attainment in science compares favourably with their results in other subjects. Science subjects gain the greatest uptake post-16.