Science
IntentAt Scarning VC Primary School, our intention is to develop in all young people a lifelong curiosity and interest in the sciences. When planning for the science curriculum, we intend for the children to have the opportunity, wherever possible, to learn through varied systematic investigations, leading to them being equipped for life to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them. As children progress through the year groups, they build on their skills in working scientifically, as well as on their scientific knowledge, as they develop greater independence in planning and carrying out fair and comparative tests to answer a range of scientific questions. The science scheme of work ensures that children have the opportunity to consolidate and retain science knowledge and reinforce key scientific vocabulary from each unit. A varied, progressive and well-mapped out science curriculum provides progression across the full breadth of the science national curriculum for KS1 and KS2.ImplementationThe acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science learning at Scarning. The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons. The progression of these skills are set out in our Science Progression Map. Each lesson has a clear focus. Scientific knowledge and enquiry skills are developed with increasing depth and challenge as children move through the year groups. They complete investigations and hands-on activities while gaining scientific knowledge for each unit. Interwoven into the teaching sequence are key assessment questions, which allow teachers to assess children’s levels of understanding at various points in the lesson. They also enable opportunities to recap concepts where necessary. The sequence of lessons helps to embed scientific knowledge and skills, with each lesson building on previous learning. There is also opportunity to regularly review and evaluate children’s understanding. Activities are effectively differentiated so that all children have an appropriate level of support and challenge. Detailed subject knowledge and guidance will ensure that teachers are equipped with secure scientific knowledge, enabling them to deliver high-quality teaching and learning opportunities whilst making them aware of possible scientific misconceptions. To supplement planning in this area, resources from the Association of Science Educators are used.To complement the explicit teaching of science are the science strands of the Scarning Key Concept Threads. These 6 predominantly scientific concepts are weaved and revisited across the curriculum, across different subject domains and across year groups to help pupils develop a greater understanding of their scientific as well as cultural significance. By making links across different subject domains in lessons and through a series of KS2 ‘lectures’, pupils investigate and learn about the importance and growing influence of science over time. ImpactProgress is measured through a child’s ability to know more, remember more and explain more. This can be measured in different ways and resources from the ASE support teachers judgements by providing exemplification materials. These resources ensure teachers plan for pupils next steps and ensure misconceptions are addressed. The use of key questions ensures opportunities are built into every lesson for ongoing assessment. Questioning and sharing of ideas are used across the school to develop knowledge and skills. The impact of using a full range of resources will be seen across the school with an increase in the profile of science. The learning environment across the school will be consistent with science technical vocabulary displayed, spoken and used by all learners. Children who feel confident in their science knowledge and enquiry skills will be excited about science, show that they are curious to learn more and will see the relevance of what they learn in science lessons applied to real-life situations, as well as exploring how science has influenced our modern world.