Science

Our intent for Science is that every child develops an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery. Science is taught both as part of our cross-curricular sessions and discreetly. As one of the core subjects we give the teaching and learning of Science the profile it requires. Science is split into 4 key concepts: Working Scientifically, Biology, Physics and Chemistry with units of work allocated to each Key Concept. Children have individual Science books and a working wall in the classroom to scaffold and support their learning. 

Our intent is for children to have: 

• The ability to think independently and raise questions about working scientifically and the knowledge and skills that it brings. 

• Confidence and competence in the full range of practical skills, for example, planning and carrying out scientific investigations. 

• A very good scientific knowledge and understanding which is demonstrated in written and verbal explanations, solving challenging problems and reporting scientific findings. 

• Strong levels of originality, imagination or innovation in the application of skills. 
• The ability to undertake practical work in a variety of contexts, including fieldwork. 
• A passion for science and its application in past, present and future technologies 

  We implement our Science approach through:  

• In EYFS, we implement science through enhancing provision for children to explore scientific concepts such as melting, freezing, floating and sinking. We promote children’s independence to choose ways to do things and promote their curiosity. In EYFS, we encourage outside visitors to come and speak to the children to promote opportunities for awe and wonder!   

• In Key Stage 1 and 2, Science is taught for one afternoon a week through focus groups and challenges   
• Working walls reflect what is being taught, vocabulary, relevant diagrams, photos and knowledge organisers  
• Books that are high quality and show a range of evidence. Teachers have the highest expectations and children are proud of their work! 
• Weekly experiments focusing on scientific enquiry   
• A creative and innovative approach using a range of high-quality resources and teaching methods 

• The use of Key vocabulary and image documents at the beginning of each unit to enable children to remember what they have been taught 
• The use of mini quizzes and retrieval techniques to develop children’s long term memory on what they have been taught. 
• Excellent teacher subject knowledge and high order questioning  
• Excellent nurture and relationships between teacher and children allow them to take risks in their learning, allowing all children opportunities to access Greater Depth learning  
• Working scientifically skills are embedded into every lesson to ensure these skills are being developed throughout  

• Learning across the curriculum is sequentially planned to build on knowledge and skills  
• Yearly, Whole School projects linked to STEM encourages the whole school to focus on a certain theme and to share their learning experiences with each other. Example: The theme transport with each class focusing on one of: Flight, Railways and Buses. 

The National Curriculum provides a structure and skill development for the Science curriculum being taught. This is, where possible, linked to our Projects to provide a creative approach, which reflects a balanced programme of study.  

Science_Scheme_of_Learning.pdf

Science_Knowledge_and_Skills_Progression.pdf

Science_Vocabulary_Progression.pdf

The impact of our Science approach is children are inspired to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and skills. They are curious to find out how? and why?