Intent
At Wolsingham Primary we want our children to be naturally curious about the world around them. In our rapidly evolving world Science is a vital part of our curriculum intention. Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It also satisfies their experience with ideas and it can engage learners at many levels. Scientific method is about developing and evaluating explanations through experimental evidence and modelling. Pupils learn to question and discuss science-based issues that may affect their own lives, the direction of society and the future world. Scientific language is to be taught and built upon as topics are revisited in different year groups and across key stages. We intend to provide all children regardless of ethnic origin, gender, class, aptitude or disability with a broad and balanced Science curriculum.
The Science curriculum develops the priorities for pupils at Wolsingham Primary School in the following ways:
Basic skills – Pupils are given lots of opportunities to reinforce and further develop their reading skills and use of subject-specific vocabulary through the different topics taught. Writing skills are developed through research and writing up of scientific enquiries. Mathematical skills are also developed through the use of measuring and statistics.
Resilience and Perseverance – Pupils are encouraged to ask their own questions and seek their own answers during scientific enquiry work. They are taught to develop their resilience and perseverance skills by understanding that answers aren’t always immediate and outcomes aren’t always as expected when carrying out investigations.
Social Awareness – Pupils are taught about a range of scientists from around the world and the impact they have had on our lives; understanding that it doesn’t matter which culture or gender you are from in order to make a difference. Pupils have an awareness of how technological advances have impacted the natural world such as flooding, drought, global warming and pollution.
Knowledge – Pupils are encouraged to develop a curiosity of the world, to ask questions and to develop a confidence to try things out. Lessons are structured through the use of carefully scaffolded questions which by Upper Key Stage 2, allows children to then be able to develop their own lines of enquiry to find an answer to a problem.
Implementation
- A clear and comprehensive long term plan in line with the National Curriculum where teaching and learning should show progression across all key stages within the strands of Science.
- Scientific Vocabulary is taught in order for children to understand and readily apply to their knowledge.
- High standards of English is promoted within Scientific Writing.
- High Standards of Mathematics are promoted through cross curricular links. To help record, interpret and present information.
- Children’s work is marked for scientific content and improvement prompts are given to deepen learning, address misconceptions or correct mistakes.
- Children will use a range of resources to develop their knowledge and understanding that is integral to their learning and develop their understanding of working scientifically.
- Opportunities for practical investigations and fair testing within Science lessons are provided. Children will work scientifically but also benefit from practical demonstrations.
- Children will reflect on previous learning and cross curricular links will be made wherever possible.
- Children will be able to build on prior knowledge and link ideas together, enabling them to question and become enquiry-based learners.
- Where possible Science teaching will be enhanced through trips, visitors and experiences.
Impact
As children progress through the Science curriculum at Wolsingham Primary School they will:
- Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- Be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future
- Work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment.
- Have the opportunity to discuss and share their own ideas and observations, and learn how to record and share experimental results with others.
- Be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.
- Be able to explain the process they have taken and be able to reason scientifically.
Science in the Early Years
A scientist in the early years will explore the natural world around them. They will be inquisitive and gain lots of knowledge through questioning and exploring. They will comment on and ask questions about their familiar world, such as the place they live and the natural world. Through discussions with peers and adults children will talk about some of the things that they have observed, such as plants, animals, natural and found objects. Discussing why things happen and how things work, developing an understanding of growth and decay over time. Throughout their early years children will talk about foods and healthy lifestyles, including showing some understanding of good practices with regard to exercise, eating, sleeping, hygiene and how these contribute to good health. Through a range of child initiated and adult planned topics children will experience, and gain some knowledge and understanding about scientific concepts such as light and dark, space, seasons, plants, materials and our bodies. Role play opportunities and visitors into school also contribute towards scientific knowledge and understanding in the early years. They will learn to show care and concern for living things through opportunities such as class pets, visitors in school or in the community. A lot of learning in the early years takes place through purposeful play, both indoors and outdoors. Towards the end of Reception children will be learning skills to equip them for their future learning and later success in Year 1.
