Science

“The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers; he is the one who asks the right questions.” – Claude Levi-Strauss

Intent

At Wormholt Park Primary School, we recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life. We intend to ensure that all children, from Early Years to Key Stage 2, are encouraged to be inquisitive and ask questions in order to build an understanding of the world around them. The curriculum is designed to develop the natural curiosity of the child and for them to develop an interest and enthusiasm for science.

Implementation

We believe that the delivery of a rich and broad science curriculum comprises of a balance of both subject knowledge and Working Scientifically. Scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic and pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions. Children have the opportunity to work scientifically using a range of scientific enquiries: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources.

It is equally important that these skills, both knowledge and enquiry based, are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school. With the use of progression grids, we ensure that prior knowledge, skills and vocabulary are revisited and developed throughout their time at school. This model allows children to build upon their prior knowledge and increases their enthusiasm for the topics whilst embedding this knowledge into the long-term memory.

Each topic of science at Wormholt Park always contains a clear progression of knowledge and skills and, across the course of the year, all Working Scientifically skills will be covered. Each lesson includes a clear learning intention which is shared at the beginning of each lesson. The lesson will feature an activity, investigation or hands-on science experiment to consolidate the learning outcome of the lesson and to ensure all children are actively engaged. We adapt our lessons carefully for our children with SEND to ensure that all children can access their learning. For the more able children, each lesson provides an opportunity to showcase their deeper understanding through extensions and challenges. At the end of each unit, children’s understanding is assessed, in the form of self-assessment, to ensure that pupils are constantly reflecting on their learning. In all lessons, key scientific vocabulary is embedded and children are actively encouraged to use it in their spoken language and written work.

At Wormholt Park Primary School, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our science teaching offers opportunities for children to:

• explore and investigate topics in greater depth during science week, every half term;
• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics;

• be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future;
• use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts;
• develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety;
• develop a set of attitudes which will promote scientific ways of thinking, including open-mindedness, perseverance, objectivity, risk taking and the importance of teamwork;
• build their self-confidence to enable them to work independently as well as develop their social skills to work cooperatively with others;
• provide them with an enjoyable experience of science, so that they will develop a deep and lasting interest and may be motivated to study science further.

Impact

Our pupils meet the challenge of attaining the knowledge and skills linked to the science curriculum, while also building a passion for the subject. Pupils increase the skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world of science and technology by immersing our students with scientific enquiry skills, key scientific knowledge and investigative skills. We create a culture of high scientific aspirations, which will allow our students a platform to develop their scientific learning and careers, and to articulate their understanding of key scientific concepts.