Science

Our Science Curriculum: Inspiring a Love for Learning

Intent

At our school, we recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life. The scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

Our science teaching offers opportunities for children to:

develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics through the big ideas.
develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.
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 an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.

Our children have weekly lessons in science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2. In Early years, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. Additional opportunities are provided in science, such as visits to ‘The Big Bang’, science fairs in school and taking part in STEM projects such as the ‘Young Innovators Challenge'. We endeavour to ensure that the science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences.

Implementation

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:

Science will be taught following a long term rolling programme and building on prior key stage knowledge to enable the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge.
Through our planning, we involve investigation opportunities that allow children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom.. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up.
We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous key stages. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
'Working Scientifically' skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in-keeping with the topics.

Impact

The approach at Croxton Kerrial CE Primary School results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first hand experiences of the world around them. So much of science lends itself to outdoor learning and so we provide children with opportunities to experience this. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts and local charities, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our community links and connection with national agencies such as the STEM association.

Our Planning Overview

National STEM Association Free materials and activities to support home-learning.

Natural History Museum Bringing science to life, with topics such as Dinosaurs and volcanoes.

30 Fun Science Activities You Can Do At Home

This video is a compilation of 30 fun science activities you can do at home. These are fast, fun activities that are perfect for young children.

Science

Our Planning Overview

30 Fun Science Activities You Can Do At Home

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