| What we do. |
| Our science curriculum includes half termly topics for all KS1 children and is taught discretely. Subject areas are chosen carefully, to ensure the EYFS learning goals and the National Curriculum expectations for KS1 are met. Our lessons aim to inspire children to understand the world they live in, as well as to develop an enquiring mind, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We encourage natural curiosity and teach the knowledge and enquiry skills necessary for them to develop their understanding of the world. We equip the children with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. |
| How we do it. |
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Science is taught weekly as a discrete lesson, although links are made with other subjects where appropriate, so that children can apply their knowledge and understanding. Units begin with knowledge organisers (displaying key vocabulary) so that they can be referred to at the start of each lesson. Working walls are created in classrooms for reference. Teaching builds on prior knowledge and skills, ensuring progression. (See How we ensure progress, below) Children are given the opportunities to use the outdoor spaces around school where possible and lessons are planned to provide as much hands-on science learning as possible. Individual lessons are planned to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND, to ensure the curriculum is fully accessible. |
| How we ensure progress. (skills) |
| Our ‘Science: Progression of skills’ document ensures that lessons are carefully planned to show development of skills/knowledge across year groups. Planning guides children to move from e.g. exploring the natural world in the EYFS to looking at and being able to identify specific plants/trees in Years 1 & 2. Detailed medium-term plans include learning objectives which are closely matched to the progression statements, and learning tasks are designed to enable this progress to take place. |
| What we want children to remember from each unit. (knowledge) |
| Before each unit is taught, several questions we want the children to be able to answer at the end of the unit are set. These will be asked in the way of a short quiz/questionnaire at the end of the unit. E.g. What does the word ‘absorbent’ mean? What materials are made by weaving or knitting? What is a mammal? |
| How we assess science. |
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Teachers assess children’s progress against the ‘Science: progression of skills’ document. Our Progression on skills documents can be read here We use short, knowledge-based quizzes at the end of each unit, to support assessment judgements. |
| How we make science enjoyable. |
| We ensure that children enjoy their science lessons by providing every opportunity for children to participate and find out for themselves. We use ‘hands on’ investigative tasks built into each unit to enable the children to work scientifically. We use technology such as laptops for additional research in lessons. Where possible, school trips are planned around topics studied e.g. Winchester Science Museum, Lightwater Country Park and Woolley Firs. Visitors are invited to the school to share their own experiences of being a scientist. We are developing termly STEM challenges for the whole school to take part in and plan a ‘Science Day’ or week when possible. We are developing a STEM centre, which will be linked with our Design & Technology curriculum and which will house specialist equipment and other resources. |