Science

Science Lead: Fielding Ronshaugen

Why do we teach Science?

Science is part of the school curriculum used to provide opportunities for all pupils to learn about and explore the world around them. Three Big Ideas underpin our Science curriculum and all of our teaching. Biology is the part of Science where pupils learn to understand the natural world and living things around us. Chemistry is a branch of Science where pupils begin to understand what everything is made of in the world. Physics is where pupils are taught how objects, forces and energy interact.

The aim of Science is to educate our children of explanations about how things in our world work, why animals and humans are different and that every object in our world is made of some element. We increase Science Capital by researching various Scientists who have changed the way people think about the world. As with all our other Wider Curriculum Subjects, Science has various threshold concepts, that are revisited throughout all key stages at different points in the year.

What do we teach in Science?

The curriculum content is drawn from the National Curriculum.. This has been adapted to create engaging lessons, where the pupils are taught core knowledge alongside the skills needed to work scientifically. We ensure progression through the use of medium term plans, core knowledge and vocabulary documents and regular assessment activities.

Each lesson has opportunities to develop Working Scientifically skills by conducting investigative work, observations, and using secondary sources to research concepts further. This allows for breadth, leading to a deeper understanding of the fundamental knowledge.

How do we teach Science?

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, Understanding the World milestones are taught through annual links to seasons and festivals, as well as in discreet sessions mostly prompted through books. We have areas of provision indoor and out to encourage children to explore materials. These are frequently enhanced through invitations to explore open ended tuff tray activities with messy and natural materials. We focus on the skill children are using to explore, and help them to develop their questioning and investigative skills.

In KS1 and 2, Science units are taught within a two-week block with six units over the year. Knowledge is carefully sequenced and revisited throughout the key stages. Within each unit the children are given the opportunity to work scientifically and write up their predictions and hypotheses. Children are taught to communicate scientifically and ask questions. They are also given frequent opportunities to work scientifically within each unit.

Threshold concepts are woven into learning throughout KS1 and 2, with individual units breaking down the clear component knowledge.