Science
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Intent
At Shaw-cum-Donnington C.E. Primary School, we recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life. We believe that science is inclusive and fosters curiosity in all children. We want all children to experience and observe natural phenomena, as well as look more closely at the natural and humanly constructed world around them.
Through our science programs of study, we encourage the children to:
- develop their natural curiosity and excitement by encouraging them to ask questions about what they notice
- express their opinions and ideas
- make links with other areas of learning such as geography, history and maths
- develop respect for living organisms and the physical environment
- find out about ways in which science influences everyday life
- understand how science can be used today and in the future
We aim to teach scientific concepts through the use of first-hand practical experiences, as well as using some appropriate secondary sources, such as books, photographs and videos to support children’s learning. The children have opportunities to develop their understanding of different scientific ideas by using a range of types of scientific enquiry to answer questions. These include observing changes over a period of time; noticing patterns; research; undertaking fair tests; identifying and classifying, as well as making links across the curriculum.
Implemention
Science is taught weekly. Our science curriculum consists of teaching the scientific programs of study from the National Curriculum. These are spread out over our two-year curriculum cycle ensuring that progression is evident between each year group and key stage.
Each topic follows a progression of ideas allowing the children to make effective links within an area of science as well as build links between concepts. The teaching of science has an underpinning focus on working scientifically; looking to challenge the ideas of children and to encourage development as scientists across their time here. Most lessons are enquiry based, providing children with experiences, context and relevance for the key ideas they have been learning. This allows children to make cross-curricular links and see how science relates to the world around them. Each program of study has its own knowledge organiser, available to all children during their learning. They include key scientific language that children will acquire and use it to correctly describe objects, ideas and phenomena.
We aim to enrich children’s learning through local trips and visits from local experts who will enhance the learning experience.
Our two-year cycle, which has been carefully constructed for our children, along with the program of study overview can be found at the end of this document.
Impact
- Most children will achieve age-related expectations in science at the end of their cohort year
- Children will retain knowledge that is pertinent to science with a real-life context
- Children will be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge
- Children will work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment
- Children will be able to explain the process they have taken and be able to reason scientifically
- Children will be able to make links between other curricular areas
Cultural Capital
- Enriching, valuable and immersive experiences to allow children to see themselves as scientists and understand who and what scientists do.
- Investigations across a range of topics where children are reasoning and problem solving throughout their work.
- Opportunities to visit museums, scientific/engineering places of work, farms and the local environment.
- Celebratory science events