Science

Intent 

Science at LAO 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 LAO are encouraged to explore content relevant to them.

Increasing pupils’ science capital is a key part of enriching pupils’ science knowledge. Pupils at LAO 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 both through the PYP (Primary Years Programme) and through discrete science lessons. Existing knowledge is checked at the beginning of each lesson and key questioning is done throughout to assess pupils’ levels of understanding. This allows any misconceptions to be discovered 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. Where appropriate, cross-curricular links are made and through the different lines of inquiry to ensure that science isn’t only covered by stand-alone lessons. Pupils are regularly 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. Throughout their time at LAO children develop their independence when exploring the different relationships between different aspects of science. Assessment is used and monitored through the SOLO Taxonomy and scope and sequence. 

Impact 

The impact of Science taught at LAO 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 LAO is 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.