Hampton Hill Junior School Cluster –
Using Argumentation to Improve Key Stage 2/3 Transfer

This project includes three secondary schools and their nine feeder primary schools in the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.

Argumentation involves pupils engaging with the language of science, including generating and justifying their claims to knowledge. This approach also helps to recognise that there may not be a single right answer to a problem or question, in turn leading to an appreciation that science is tentative and cannot always give answers. Argumentation can also show pupils that even though they may not share ideas, it is still possible to work collaboratively to solve a problem.

The project aims to:

• Support subject leaders, Year 6 and Year 7 teachers with the development of the use of argumentation in science teaching.
• Improve attitudes to science in Year 7.
• Encourage and develop the use of an approach to science teaching (argumentation) in which pupils are asked to look critically at ideas and evidence and engage in cognitive conflict.

Contact

Alison Eley - info@hamptonhill.richmond.sch.uk