Science

Learning in Science

Click here to see an overview of learning in Science

Click here to see our lesson-by-lesson plans in Science

Click here to see the science progression document 

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
• 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
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future

Intent:

At Sproatley Endowed CE Academy, we aim to deliver a Science curriculum that builds on our children’s prior learning and which develops their understanding of the scientific vocabulary and concepts which will mould and shape their everyday lives.  We aim to provide engaging opportunities for our children to work like scientists and to recognise how science links to our everyday lives. Science lessons aim to stimulate curiosity and questioning, and provide opportunities for our children to develop and use scientific vocabulary. We intend to equip pupils with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. Our science curriculum will broaden every child’s mind to the world in which we live and support our children to flourish and live life in all its fullness (John 10:10).

Implementation:

The national curriculum objectives are arranged in a 2 year rolling programme to ensure that scientific knowledge and skills are built on. In EYFS, children access science through a range of stories and areas of provision. Learning is child-centred and adults provide opportunities for children to explore the world around them through play, exploration and investigation. Children create their own investigations and questions, which are encouraged and facilitated by adults. In KS1, children develop their conceptual knowledge and understanding over a 2 year rolling programme. Children will work scientifically, carrying out class and small group investigations. In KS2, prior conceptual knowledge and understanding is reviewed and built upon. Children learn new knowledge and apply it in a variety of ways. Children will follow lines of enquiries and in UKS2 they will create their own lines of enquiries.

Pupils will be taught exciting lessons which enable them to critically engage with science, which provide opportunities for them to think independently, question, investigate and develop a deeper understanding of the world in which they live. The correct use and knowledge of scientific vocabulary will be at the core of each lesson. Pupils will be provided with the opportunity to develop and refine their skills through research and through planning, conducting and evaluating scientific investigations with increasing independence. In addition, the science curriculum will:

• Follow a clearly sequenced and progressive program of study based on the National Curriculum objectives which takes account of the mixed age year groups (through a two year cycle). Pupils will be taught all areas of scientific knowledge at a year group appropriate level by the end of their Key Stage.
• Build on prior knowledge and link ideas together, enabling children to question and become enquiry based learners.
• Have lessons that will be planned and taught using the ‘three part lesson’ format. This will ensure that lessons are exciting, engaging, stimulating and progressive.
• Utilise key vocabulary (and definitions). This will enable children to readily apply their understanding to their verbal communication and written work.

• Apply cross-curricular knowledge to pupils’ understanding of science, including collecting, presenting and analysing data, as well as use writing skills to structure a scientific report in a sequential and coherent manner.

• Complete scientific investigations on a regular basis. More specifically, all pupils will complete each of the five enquiry types during the academic year (Work scientifically by: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources).
• Closely monitor to ensure that children are making progress. Attainment will be assessed each half term through a learning journal that is added to throughout the unit of work, formative assessment of work within science books, moderated science investigations, a moderated ‘context’ task where appropriate, and assessing vocabulary retention at the end of a unit.

Impact:

The impact of our science provision will be carried out in a variety of ways. Pupil voice, staff voice and learning walks will be carried out throughout the year to assess that the following objectives have been achieved across science at Sproatley:

• Children will achieve age related expectations (ARE) in Science at the end of their cohort year. Children who do not achieve ARE will be moderated with SLT and the Subject Lead where barriers to learning will be assessed and addressed to support those children to make progress in their science learning.
• Children will enjoy science lessons and are confident to demonstrate and discuss their learning in science with others, using appropriate and technical vocabulary.
• Children will work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment. They will be able to produce coherent, age-appropriate written investigations which prepare them for the next stage of their learning (e.g. by the end of KS2, pupils can independently produce a written report based on a scientific investigation in preparation for their transition to secondary school).
• Children will be able to explain the process they have taken and be able to reason scientifically.
• Book looks and moderation of science across the school will show progression and opportunities to challenge and deepen scientific knowledge and skills.
• Staff voice will be collected to help support subject knowledge and confidence, as well as to determine potential CPD opportunities.
• Assessment data will be reliable and used to monitor progress of children from EYFS to end of KS2.