Introduction – Science

At East Dene the Science curriculum stimulates and excites pupil’s curiosity about natural phenomena and events in the world around them

Knowledge and skills are developed in a way that directly link practical experiences with ideas and scientific methods/concepts. They learn to question and discuss Science based issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of society and the future of the world.

Intent

At East Dene Primary School we recognise the importance Science in our everyday lives and strive to support our pupils in developing the knowledge and skills they require to understand the world they live in.  We strongly believe that learning should be purposeful to provide our pupils with a broad understanding of the natural world and its phenomena. We want children to see the connections between areas of science, ‘big ideas’ and to pursue questions in practice which is a skill that can be transferred across the curriculum. Overall we aim to harness children’s natural excitement and curiosity to inspire them to pursue scientific enquiry skills in all areas. Throughout the primary years, children should learn to explain and analyse phenomena, make predictions and solve problems.

Aims

• building on children’s natural curiosity and developing a scientific approach to problems;
• building children’s self-confidence to enable them to work independently and developing their social skills to work co-operatively with others;
• preparing children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world;
• fostering concern about, and appreciation of, our local environment and the wider world;
• helping children to acquire a progressive understanding of scientific ideas;
• giving children the experience of scientific processes and concepts;
• helping children to acquire practical science skills which can be used and transferred to different contexts;
• providing children with an enjoyable experience of Science, so that they will develop a deep and lasting interest and be motivated to study Science further.

Implementation

At East Dene our Science lessons follow the National Curriculum. The science subject leader has mapped out the knowledge and skills for every Science strand throughout the school, this ensures that learning is sequential and progressive. The planning and teaching of Science follows a set structure to ensure consistency across school incorporating key knowledge, vocabulary and skills to be covered. We revise and build on prior learning of Science, and basic Science skills, at the start of every lesson, in order to encourage ‘deep learning’.  One way we do this is by developing children’s scientific thinking and explanations with an explorify activity linked to the area being covered. This encourages children to discuss a range of questions, concepts and images. Each activity is recorded in a class floor book which is used to gather evidence and show progression of each child’s scientific thinking, vocabulary and understanding at all levels. Science is taught incorporating a variety of teaching and learning styles that develop children’s knowledge, skills, and independence. We do this through whole-class teaching, while at other times we engage the children in an enquiry-based research activity where children are encouraged to be hands on learners.

By revisiting learning from previous year groups, our pupils strengthen their previously learned knowledge and are able to build new learning upon this. Teachers use ‘sticky knowledge’ and progression maps to build on previous learning, planning vertical links and further development of scientific processes. Assessment of science concepts learnt are tracked for groups across the school, and pre and post activities are planned to ensure that children are given the chance to apply learning in different contexts. Enrichment and experiences, such as trips, visitors, and real-life experiences, are used frequently to support the teaching of Science, this enhances the Science capital for our learners.

Impact

The impact and measure of our Science curriculum is to ensure children not only acquire the appropriate age related knowledge but also skills which equip them to be ready for the next year of learning and for life as an adult in the world outside the classroom. Children will be able to demonstrate their ability to interpret scientific thinking and suggest ways in which they might explore a scientific principle. Children’s learning is assessed against the age-related expectations for Science.

All children will have:

• A wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, including scientific enquiry/investigative skills.
• A richer vocabulary which will enable to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.
• High aspirations, which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life.