Science

Intent

The National Curriculum states that, ‘A high quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and it is vital to the world’s future prosperity.  And pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.’  At Bewley Primary School, we aim to deliver a broad and balanced science curriculum that focuses on each discipline of biology, chemistry and physics showing a range of progression in all areas over the key stages. We intend to: develop and foster a love of learning towards science developing children’s sense of excitement and curiosity about the world in which they live. promote the importance of science and STEM in our futures. diminish all stereotypes by offering children the opportunity to learn about real-life scientists of both genders.  provide real-life contexts both indoors and outdoors to develop their ‘working scientifically’ skills whilst also being  immersed in rich scientific vocabulary to aid their scientific knowledge and understanding.

We intend to:

• develop and foster a love of learning towards science developing children’s sense of excitement and curiosity about the world in which they live.
• promote the importance of science and STEM in our futures.
• diminish all stereotypes by offering children the opportunity to learn about real-life scientists of both genders.
• provide real-life contexts both indoors and outdoors to develop their ‘working scientifically’ skills whilst also being immersed in rich scientific vocabulary to aid their scientific knowledge and understanding.

EYFS

We begin to foster natural curiosity, enquiry and observational skills within our Foundation Stage. Children are encouraged to explore their setting, which is well- planned and resourced allowing opportunities to develop early key skills in science. In addition to this, teachers plan lessons to provoke a curious mind and offer many open ended questions.

KS1 & KS2

In Key Stage 1, science is taught cross-curricular linking in with the Cornerstones’ topics.  In Key Stage 2, science becomes more discreet with cross-curricular links made wherever possible. All key stages promote hands-on science lessons where the children are active learners. Children are provided with regular opportunities to develop strategies for questioning and thinking.

We have plenty of links to outside agencies to promote STEM learning including Children Challenging Industry, MFC Foundation Trust and SCOUTED to name but a few.

Science week occurs annually and children are engaged in workshops and investigations to develop further their working scientifically skills.  We also value the importance of keeping parents connected to children’s learning in science and therefore offer parents science workshops to attend with their children. We also offer after school clubs to promote and develop STEM learning.

Teachers use assessment for learning to tailor lessons around our children and help us plan for next steps. Progress is tracked and monitored to enable any gaps in learning to be identified. In our school we have a clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum where teaching and learning shows progression across all key stages within the strands of Science.

Teachers use assessment for learning to tailor lessons around our children and help us plan for next steps. Progress is tracked and monitored to enable any gaps in learning to be identified. In our school we have a clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum where teaching and learning shows progression across all key stages within the strands of Science.

Impact

Children have positive attitudes towards science and show great enthusiasm towards the subject. They value the importance of scientific knowledge and skills and they are aware that science features heavily in our everyday lives. Children are aware of the many varied occupations that involve science.

There is a clear progression of skills throughout the year groups and across key stages with children’s work showing the full range of curriculum coverage. Science books, wall displays, child interviews and curriculum walks all show children are thoroughly engaged, motivated and are developing as young scientists.

Children use a wide range of scientific vocabulary to describe ideas, objects and phenomena.

Children become independent learners selecting methods, resources and recording techniques. Children are able to observe, question, explain, investigate and work collaboratively.

Standards in science at the end of each Key Stage are good with most children reaching age related expectations.

Useful Website links for parents to access:

KS1 Science – England – BBC Bitesize  short videos and games to support learning in all areas of the KS1 curriculum.

Home | WowScience – Science games and activities for kids a fantastic website with links to learning. Includes games, activities and videos for all topics within the Science curriculum.

Search all secondary resources | STEM a free sign up to access a wide range of materials to support scientific learning. This link takes you directly to fairy tale themed science activities.

Science (weebly.com) a wide variety of games to support learning in all areas of the Science National Curriculum.

NASA- Earth and Space – StarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers (nasa.gov)

Topmarks Science- Science – Topmarks Search  a wide selection of interactive games to support science learning.

Explorify (wellcome.ac.uk)– a free sign-up to access a wide variety of activities that promote scientific thinking and develop science skills.

10 Easy & Cool Science Experiments for Kids | Day Out With The Kids fun science experiments that you can try out at home.

Easy Ideas for Science at Home – Science Sparks (science-sparks.com) fun science activities to try out at home.

Science Fun at Home | Primary Science Teaching Trust (pstt.org.uk)

Activities | Muddy Faces Forest school science ideas

Wild Activities — Wildlife Trust’s Forest School Project (wildforestschool.org.uk) Forest school ideas