Science

Intent

Science at Oaks is designed to prepare all pupils for the future, giving them the scientific skills and language which are taught through the Primary Years Programme.

Pupils recognise science in their everyday lives and are encouraged to become curious individuals who then are able to ask questions and find answers.

With lots of opportunities to learn science in real-life contexts, pupils at Oaks are encouraged to explore content relevant to them and push the boundaries of traditional ‘lab science’.

Increasing pupils’ science capital is a key part of enriching pupils’ science knowledge. Through discrete and Inquiry lessons, pupils at Oaks will develop their scientific knowledge and skills as well as increasing their knowledge of the world around them, whilst developing a natural curiosity which, in turn, will further develop their science capital.

Implementation

In order to provide pupils with the skills and knowledge they require, Science is taught through the PYP (Primary Years Programme) as well as through weekly discrete skills lessons. Existing knowledge is checked through knowledge harvests at the beginning of each lesson and key questioning is done throughout to assess pupils’ levels of understanding. This allows any misconceptions to be brought up and provides the teachers with opportunities to clarify these.

Teachers ensure that learning builds on prior experiences and knowledge, which are identified on the curriculum coverage. Areas of science are identified and shared out between the different lines of inquiry that are being covered that year to ensure that science isn’t only covered by stand-alone lessons. Within every lesson, there is an opportunity and expectation that pupils are exposed to different working scientifically skills. These skills then provide pupils with an opportunity to develop new concepts in real life situations. When appropriate, teachers demonstrate how to correctly use any equipment and allow pupils to then explore their questions with this equipment.

Teaching Science through the PYP, allows pupils to explore their own hypotheses and questions, finding their own answers and increasing their creativity and curiosity. Teachers are encouraged to assist and guide pupils to explore the different relationships between the physical, biological, chemical and natural world aspects, instead of telling them what to do and when. Some science occurs in the moment and the PYP allows pupils and teachers to have the opportunity to apply that freedom that it offers. Assessment is used and monitored through the SOLO Taxonomy and scope and sequence. Pupils are often challenged to understand that science is constantly changing around them, giving them a natural sense of curiosity and responsibility regarding their actions.

At Oaks, staff are equipped with effective CPD opportunities to increase their knowledge and confidence to deliver science lessons successfully. This is assisted by the help of the PSQM (Primary Science Quality Mark). Pupils are offered a high-quality STEM Co-Curricular Club to promote and extend their understanding and promote a love of science beyond the classroom. British Science Week and any other national or international events are widely recognised and celebrated in school.

Impact

The impact of Science taught at Oaks is that pupils continuously build on prior knowledge and skills as they progress through their learning journey. Their working scientifically skills are developed and embedded as they go work their way through the curriculum and from Reception all the way up to Year 6. Science learning at Oaks are often fun and engaging, which results in a high quality science education that prepares pupils for their further education and careers. Pupils often say that they enjoy science and always want to learn more. Through lessons, STEM Club, Assemblies and through the involvement of Science Ambassadors through STEM, children learn the possibilities for careers within science.

At Oaks, we are constantly breaking stereotypes within the science industry with the help of high quality texts, making links with the STEM Ambassadors and teaching them that science doesn’t only happen in a laboratory. All pupils show a positive attitude and enjoyment towards science which results in motivated, engaged learners with a strong understanding of science in the world around them . OPA’s science provision is recognised by the achievement of the nationally recognised Primary Science Quality Mark.