Setting

Mrs C de Belder Headteacher Nettlestone Primary School Nettlestone, Seaview Isle of Wight PO34 5DY

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Ofsted survey inspection programme – Science

Thank you for your hospitality and co-operation, and that of your staff, during my visit on 20 September 2006 to look at work in science.

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Ofsted 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. All feedback letters will be published on the Ofsted website at the end of each half-term.

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Ofsted survey inspection programme – Science

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

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Ofsted survey inspection programme – Science

The overall effectiveness of science was judged to be good.

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Achievement and standards

Achievement and standards in science are good.

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Achievement and standards

 In 2005 and 2006 overall standards at the end Key Stage 1 were above average when compared to both local and national levels.  Pupils start school in the Foundation Stage with overall average attainment and make good progress by the end of Key Stage 1.  In 2006 fewer pupils than usual reached the higher level 3 in science. The school’s own analysis shows this to be due to a lack of challenge for more able pupils, particularly in the areas of life processes and materials.  Pupil assessment data show that pupils are making appropriate progress in science when they leave school at the end of Year 4. Alexandra House 33 Kingsway London WC2B 6SE T 08456 404045 F 020 7421 6644 www.ofsted.gov.uk  Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes to work and to other pupils and staff. Their social and cultural development is good.

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Quality of teaching and learning

The quality of teaching and learning in science is good.

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Quality of teaching and learning

 Teachers use a wide range of investigative activities, with a particularly good focus on strategies for recording data, in all classes.  Teachers are confident in teaching science with clear expectations of pupils’ behaviour and achievement.  Assessment is improving as the school moves towards using pupil focused target setting activities in science adapted from already successful practice in literacy and numeracy.

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Quality of curriculum

 Science planning is based on the QCA schemes of work. These have been established for some time and adapted to the school’s needs. The resulting programme meets the needs of pupils and complies with National Curriculum requirements.  The curriculum is extended by very good use of the local environment.  Curriculum continuity with the middle schools across Key Stage 2 science is not well established. While there is an agreement that QCA units form the schemes of work in both schools, clear progression in children’s learning is not secure.

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Leadership and management of science

Leadership and management of science are good.

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Leadership and management of science

 Science is well organised with a clear vision for future direction. Curriculum creativity is being positively encouraged and has good potential for making science more interesting and relevant to the pupils.  Good quality assessment information is gathered and used to give a clear picture of pupil performance. This is also well used to accurately identify areas for improvement.  Self-evaluation gives an up to date picture of the current situation in science and indicates the potential for future development.

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Inclusion

The provision for inclusion is very good.

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Inclusion

 The school monitors the progress of individuals carefully and uses assessment data well to keep an eye on any trends that develop.  Pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities do very well in this school and are supported by a caring environment that understands and meets their needs.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, included:

 to raise the achievement of more able pupils in science  to improve progression in learning through stronger curriculum development across Key Stage 2  to liven up the science curriculum through developing creative approaches to curriculum delivery.

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, included:

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

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Areas for improvement, which we discussed, included:

As I explained in my previous letter, a copy of this letter will be sent to your local authority and will be published on Ofsted’s website. It will also be available to the team for your next institutional inspection.

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