Science
A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. (National Curriculum 2014)
Intent
The National Curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding; develop understanding of the nature, processes, and methods of science, and understand the uses and implications of science today and in the future.
At Scotton Lingerfield Primary School, our aim is to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think and work scientifically. Our curriculum gives children an understanding of scientific processes and provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Children are taught to think about the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. We thread our school aims throughout the science curriculum, teaching children about scientists from diverse backgrounds which helps them to understand scientific developments on a global and cultural level. Our science curriculum naturally develops pupils’ understanding about the environment and we enhance this through specific environmentally themed topics.
It is our aim that children will engage in exciting, practical hands on experiences that encourage curiosity and questioning. Our aim is that these stimulating and challenging experiences help every child secure and extend their scientific knowledge and vocabulary, as well as promoting a love and thirst for learning. Our aim is that all children achieve the aims of the National curriculum.
Implementation
We follow the objectives of the National Curriculum and have planned our units so that there is coherent progress across the year groups; knowledge is built upon throughout the school. Science is taught on a weekly basis, but cross-curricular links are made explicit to help children understand that science encompasses every aspect of our daily lives. For example, non-fiction science texts are used in some English writing units, in guided reading sessions and science units are linked to geography topics such as Rivers. Opportunities to enhance the teaching of mathematical skills are identified in each unit of learning.
We ensure that the skills required to work and think scientifically are developed progressively throughout children’s time at the school; they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts. Key scientific terminology is explicitly taught, and children are encouraged to use this vocabulary and explain their thoughts clearly both orally and in written work. We want children to continually ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.
Using ‘PLAN assessment’ documents, knowledge and working scientifically progression is implemented into each lesson to ensure that children reach and build on clear milestones and teachers are aware of previous and next steps. We build upon the knowledge and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
Impact
We expect our children to make outstanding progress over time, relative to their individual starting points and their progression of skills. Children will be expected to leave Scotton Lingerfield Primary School reaching at least age related expectations in science.
The exciting, hands-on Science curriculum, along with enrichment activities, will lead pupils to be enthusiastic Science learners and understand that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. We want to empower our children, so they understand they have the capability to change the world.
Assessment and monitoring:
At the beginning of each unit, children complete a pre unit task to ascertain their understanding and allow gaps in learning to be identified. This enables the teacher to provide additional support and challenge throughout the unit for individual children.
Following each unit, children complete the pre-unit assessment at spaced intervals. These recalls allow children to recall previously learnt knowledge. Children are supported in addressing these gaps throughout these sessions.
Regular recalls support assessment of children. Results are added to tracking grids, which support end of year judgements.
The subject leader monitors the subject through:
- Learning walks
- Book Scrutiny
- Planning Scrutiny
- Data/assessment scrutiny
- Pupil voice
