Science

"The important thing is to never stop questioning"

Albert Einstein

Intent

We aim for our pupils to become passionate scientists, recognising the power of rational explanation and developing a sense of curiosity about the world around them. We ensure all pupils acquire scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics by providing a well sequenced, progressive curriculum.

Opportunities to work scientifically are carefully planned to ensure that both practical and data handling skills are built upon each year. Children become increasingly independent by making well-evidenced predictions, carrying out additional research, planning their own investigations and articulating themselves using key scientific vocabulary. Through this approach, children develop their understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through a variety of scientific enquiries that help them to answer questions about the world around them.

Through providing enriching, first-hand experiences for all children beyond the classroom, pupils develop an understanding of the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future. We also aim to maximise the opportunities which Science offers to provide cross-curricular links with other subjects, such as scientific writing and the use of technology to conduct scientific enquiries.

Implementation

Our pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves and discover their inner scientist. They acquire new knowledge and understanding through essential theory lessons and exciting ‘hands on’ investigations. This thread of ‘working scientifically’ develops  increasing independence as they progress through the school, in conducting their own research, planning lines of enquiry and in their scientific reasoning.

To further cultivate a love of learning and delight in science we provide additional enriching experiences such as workshops and trips to all children. These give important, real life contexts to their knowledge and understanding and are complemented by carefully planned cross-curricula opportunities so our pupils can appreciate the possible applications of their learning.
 

Impact

We use a number of ways to measure and assess the impact of our intent and implementation. This helps us refine and adapt our planning further which, in turn, improves the quality of teaching and learning. The impact of teaching and learning in Science is measured and assessed by the following:

• A monitoring cycle to ensure that the assessment policy is followed consistently in all year groups
• Formative assessment is used in every lesson to identify and address the children’s misconceptions, as well as identify scientific skills which require further work. This includes the use of questioning and knowledge quizzes during lesson time
• Independent skills focuses to formatively assess children's ability to work scientifically
• Spaced learning assessments are used to assess children’s knowledge and understanding of all topics they have covered throughout the year. This gives an objective measure of progress and enables diagnostic analysis
• Termly book reviews are carried out by the subject leader to ensure cohesion, monitor the impact of teaching in all year groups and identify areas for development 
• Termly pupil interviews are conducted to assess the children’s knowledge and understanding, and to identify the aspects of Science that they have enjoyed the most and solicit their opinions on how the Science curriculum could be adapted to improve it further.
• Annual staff feedback questionnaires are used to identify successes and areas where the curriculum may be improved or where further support is needed.