Setting

Aviation House 125 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 08456 404040 F 020 7421 6855 enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.1

Mr S Joyce Headteacher Hunwick Primary School Church Lane Crook County Durham DL15 0JX

p.1

Ofsted 2010 11 subject survey inspection programme: science

Thank you for your hospitality and cooperation, and that of the staff and pupils, during my visit on 21 September 2010 to look at work in science.

p.1

Ofsted 2010 11 subject survey inspection programme: science

The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text without their consent.

p.1

Ofsted 2010 11 subject survey inspection programme: science

The evidence used to inform the judgements included: interviews with staff and pupils, scrutiny of relevant documentation, analysis of pupils’ work and observation of four lessons.

p.1

Ofsted 2010 11 subject survey inspection programme: science

The overall effectiveness of science is good.

p.1

Achievement in science

 Pupils’ attainment at the end of Key Stage 2 in 2009, in terms of average point scores, was significantly above the national average.  In the last set of results, the progress made by pupils to the end of Key Stage 2 was significantly above the average.  Results of pupils in Year 6 have been significantly above average for the last three years.  Although progress made by different groups of pupils is not significantly different, the small numbers in each group make the statistics less reliable.  Standards seen in lessons and the progress pupils are making are above average.  Pupils make decisions, are able to raise their own questions and are involved in planning investigation.  Their attitudes and behaviour are good and they participate actively in lessons.

p.1

Quality of teaching in science

The quality of teaching in science is good.

p.2

Quality of teaching in science

 Teachers are confident and teach in a lively and enthusiastic way.  They plan in detail and link activities to learning objectives well.  Classrooms have an inclusive atmosphere with teachers ensuring that all pupils are involved and challenged.  The marking by teachers recognises successes but also challenges pupils to make improvements.  Pupils are involved in self-assessment using success criteria and this is helping them to understand the standards of their own work.  Assessment is carried out in a range of ways and the school is developing the assessment of pupils’ progress to evaluate their work in scientific enquiry.

p.2

Quality of the curriculum in science

The quality of the curriculum in science is good.

p.2

Quality of the curriculum in science

 Much team teaching and collaborative development are helping to bring about a consistent good practice.  The schemes of work are detailed and the long-term planning is established centrally and ensures coverage of National Curriculum requirements.  You and the coordinator carry out the monitoring role well, looking at planning and at outcomes for pupils. The coordinator has not yet directly observed science teaching of other staff.  Science is often taught in relevant contexts with good links to core skills and other subjects.  Science investigations and practical work are given appropriate priority and help to engage pupils in their science work.  The provision for extra-curricular and enrichment activities is good.

p.2

Effectiveness of leadership and management in science

The effectiveness of the leadership and management in science is good.

p.2

Effectiveness of leadership and management in science

 You and the science coordinator have a clear vision for science in the school and you are sharing it effectively with other members of staff.  Expectation for standards is high. You are putting into place effective monitoring and are developing the coordinator’s role in this.  The tracking system which looks for improvement includes the pupils’ development in scientific enquiry.  The focus on developing teaching and learning and providing good challenge and support to teachers is good.

p.2

Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

 increasing and improving the use of ICT in science activities  further developing the assessment and tracking of pupils’ progress.

p.3

Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

I hope that these observations are useful as you continue to develop science in the school.

p.3

Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:

As I explained previously, a copy of this letter will be published on the Ofsted website. It may be used to inform decisions about any future inspection. Except in the case of academies, a copy of this letter is also being sent to your local authority.

p.3