Science

“The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers, he’s one who asks the right questions.” -Claude Levi-Strauss

Vision

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.

Intent

At St Michael’s Primary School, we believe that outstanding teaching of Science provides the foundations for understanding the world around us. By making learning memorable pupils are offered the opportunity to access, revisit, build-upon and retain a wealth of knowledge, skills and information. Pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world around them.

Through excellent teaching, pupils ‘shine brightly’ using this knowledge to aid their understanding of new concepts, make well-informed decisions and pursue new interests. Science in our school is about developing children’s ideas and ways of working that enable them to make sense of the world in which they live through working scientifically and understanding different scientific strands.

By immersing our children in scientific vocabulary, we aim to aid their knowledge and understanding further, providing them with a broad and balanced curriculum.

Implementation

At St Michael’s Primary School, high standards of teaching and learning in Science are underpinned by a progressive curriculum throughout the school. By adapting and extending the curriculum to match all pupils’ needs, we aim to develop confidence and independence, as well as stretch and challenge learners, so that all children meet their full potential.

Science is taught as discrete lessons to ensure coverage and depth in each specific area, to enable children to be fully immersed in each unit. We ensure progression between our year groups by focussing on what has been previously taught and what the children are working towards through a carefully planned curriculum. Teachers have secure subject knowledge, which enables children to build upon their own previously acquired skills and knowledge. Experiments and other practical activities are carefully planned, focussing on key scientific skills, to enhance and extend children’s learning. Where possible, trips and visits are planned into the Science curriculum to further enhance children’s knowledge and understanding.

Rich learning experiences in Science, ensure that children are:

• encouraged to follow their own line of enquiry, by participating in child-initiated experiments. They ask their own questions and select tools and equipment to conduct their experiments.

• involved in practical activities to help consolidate or introduce their learning.

• encouraged to be inquisitive and independent learners.

• encouraged to research ideas and theories in order to explain results of their experiments or to extend their learning.

• confident in using scientific vocabulary.

• able to make connections between Science and other subjects.

Impact

Formative teacher assessment is completed throughout the year and misconceptions are consolidated accordingly. In Science, progress is measured through a child’s ability to know more, remember more and explain more. This can be measured in numerous ways in our units. The learning environment across the school is consistent with Science technical vocabulary displayed, spoken and used by all learners. Children who feel confident in their Science knowledge and enquiry skills will be excited about Science, show that they are actively curious to learn more and will see the relevance of what they learn in Science lessons to real-life situations and also the importance of Science in the real world.

The outcome of our Science curriculum will be children who not only have a rich subject knowledge with a broad range of skills, and are also able to think about the way the world works and their own future in it.