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Science and Technology

Science Intent

Here at West Park Academy we aim to give all children a strong science capital by acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to be curious and think scientifically. Children gain experience of scientific processes and also an understanding of how science relates to themselves and the world around them. In addition to this, they will explore the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Pupils will study and learn from the work of scientists from the past and present and know how the impact of their work has changed our lives.

We intend to develop children’s interest and enjoyment in science, through real life experiences and investigations. In order to aspire and increase children’s career knowledge for their future, we will extend the learning opportunities for all children by offering opportunities including visitors and visits to the North East STEM sector.

 

Design & Technology Intent

Our intention is for children at West Park Academy to be inspired problem solvers, risk takers and innovators, encouraged to use their knowledge, creativity and imagination to design, make and evaluate their own products and those of others. In a variety of contexts, they will have the opportunity to solve real and relevant problems. We aim to give the pupils an in-depth understanding of how fundamental design and technology is to daily life and the wider, every changing world around us.

Through the teaching of cooking and nutrition, textiles, mechanics, sheet materials, construction and electronics, we hope to provide all children will essential life skills as well as building on key dispositions including resilience and perseverance.

Children will be immersed in the life of engineering, exploring how local influential figures and establishments from the past and present have shaped the North East of England. We believe that is vital we help to broaden career prospects for the children and encourage future aspirations by educating them on the engineering industry and building links in the local community. At West Park Academy, we hope for all children to learn that the possibilities of design and technology are endless and, that just as those studied, their future contributions can have a positive impact on our society.

Computing Intent

Computing and technology play such a significant role in society today and our intent is that children become responsible users of technology, they recognise the benefits of using technology but are also acutely aware of any risks.  We teach the children to be responsible citizens in the real world and also with their online activities*.  Our children use technology as a gateway to deepen their learning in other subjects.  We encourage children to be curious, question the world around them and learn new skills.  Computational thinking enables children to see things logically, to reason and this skill is transferrable across the curriculum, it also enables children to participate effectively and safely in a digital world.  Children understand how things can be manipulated digitally and are critical of what they see, read or hear and when accessing technology.  At West Park Academy we teach a curriculum that enables children to become effective users of technology.  Pupils are introduced to a wide range of devices including tablets, iPads, robots, microcomputers and interactive whiteboards.  Technology is constantly changing and evolving and we aspire for our children to be flexible and adaptable, this allows them to continually practice and improve the skills they learn. This ensures children become digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas in a constantly evolving digital world.

*Please note Digital Literacy lessons (E-Safety) are taught as part of our PSHE curriculum, you can find more information on that here.