Curridge Primary School

Science - Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known

Intent

Science generates solutions for everyday life and helps us to answer the great mysteries of the universe. Children are naturally curious and eager to understand the world around them. To achieve well in science, children must not only acquire the necessary knowledge, but also understand its value, enjoy the experience of working scientifically, and sustain their interest in learning it. In school, children need to discover the concepts revealed through observing scientific phenomena and conducting experimental investigations for themselves.

Teaching science offers children the opportunity to increase their overall understanding of how and why things work. Almost everything you see is because individuals had a question and used their knowledge of science to solve it.

Across the school, we:

• Develop children's knowledge of key concepts linked to the three scientific strands – Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Advance children's awareness of processes and methods, through different types of enquiries that help them to ask and answer questions about the world around them
• Teach a range of methods for children to communicate their scientific findings, including the use of I.T., diagrams, graphs and verbal communication
• Ensure children have opportunities to work individually and collaboratively when completing practical aspects of the curriculum
• Establish an understanding of correct and safe use of materials and equipment needed to carry out investigations
• Foster an enthusiasm and enjoyment for scientific learning and discovery

Implementation

• Provide sufficient weekly curriculum time

• Collaborate with scientific institutions and organisations to provide laboratory time and professional expertise (Bayer, AWE)

• Provide up to date and relevant resources to inspire and satisfy children’s curiosity

• Monitor children’s progress regularly to ensure they are supported effectively to reach their potential

• Ensure that science teaching is relevant to the children so they see how it connects to their daily lives

Impact

Children’s scientific knowledge and understanding will increase, allowing them to become more proficient in selecting and using scientific equipment, in collating and interpreting results and in drawing conclusions based on evidence. They will become confident in explaining their thinking, take pride in their work and remain enthusiastic about science throughout their time at Curridge Primary School and into the future.

Through the acquisition of scientific knowledge and skills the children will develop life skills such as measuring, evaluating, questioning, resilience and working collaboratively. They will also enhance their understanding of British values such as respect for the natural and humanly constructed world.

Children will be well equipped to develop their understanding of world issues such as climate change, conservation or both the positive and negative impacts of scientific invention.     

We will measure the impact of our curriculum through:

• Pupil discussions about their learning including work recorded in books or as part of a display.

• Tracking of knowledge through pre and post learning quizzes or mind mapping. 

• Data entered with follow up pupil progress meetings.

Evidence can be found:

• In the children’s books

• On displays in classrooms.

• By talking to children.

EYFS:

In the Foundation Stage, children are taught Science through the key area of learning set out within the EYFS Statutory Framework.

Through a broad range of teacher-led, child-initiated and continuous learning opportunities, children will be taught to:

•  . Use their senses to investigate a range of objects and materials
• Find out about, identify and observe the different features of living things, objects and worldly events
•  Look closely at similarities, differences, patterns and change
•  Ask questions about why things happen and why things work
• Develop their communication and co-operation skills
• Talk about their findings, sometimes recording them
• Identify and find out about features of the place they live and in the natural world around them.