Science

“The important thing is to never stop questioning”

Albert Einstein

Science is a core subject of the national curriculum. It aims to ensure 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 Fairhaven Primary School, we believe that science can be used to develop a healthy curiosity in our pupils. Our aim is to help pupils develop a sense of wonder and respect for the world and help them to ask and answer scientific questions about it. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of substantive and disciplinary knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Working scientifically taught is an integral part of science at Fairhaven Primary. Through a hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum, children will experience the joy of asking questions, exploring and investigating.  We ensure that pupils learn and develop the skills of working scientifically as they move through the school so they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments, explaining concepts and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings. We are ambitious in our intent to embed science learning through our Forest School work and our links with outside agencies, for example, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. We also aim to plan an exciting and rich variety of science related experiences beyond the core curriculum through workshops, and special STEM events. Overall, we aim to equip our pupils with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science today and for the future.

Implementation

At Fairhaven Primary we teach science in line with the national curriculum year group statements. From Early Years through to Year 6, our curriculum is designed to teach science in a clear sequence with an aim for knowledge or concepts to be securely in place before pupils progress to the next stage. Our curriculum is also designed to plan regular opportunities to revisit and build on knowledge so pupils learn and remember more. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage, science is planned in line with the Foundation Stage – Knowledge and Understanding of the World. From Year 1 upwards, science is planned in line with the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2. As pupils are taught in mixed age classes, we have a two-year science plan. Teachers use resources from the Curriculum Unity Schools Partnership (CUSP) to inform their planning. Science is taught as a discrete subject. Class teachers either teach science weekly or in a block of science in a concentrated format. Formative assessments are used to ensure that misconceptions in science can be addressed before moving on in learning. Summative assessments at the end of learning units help to build evidence of learning for each pupil. By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study. Prior learning and retrieval are to be used within each lesson with a focus on oracy and key vocabulary. New vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. Working scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are developed throughout the pupils’ school careers. We recognise that the use of spoken language and subject-specific vocabulary is important in the effective teaching of science. Lessons aim to involve excellent oracy across all ages. Teachers model using scientific language when discussing scientific concepts, so pupils learn to use these terms in their own learning discussions. Lessons are planned so that pupils can use and apply their mathematics skills or as a way of embedding reading and writing skills. Events such as Science Week, visits from scientists and school trips enhance the science curriculum.

Impact

Through pupil voice, observation and monitoring, we are confident pupils can engage scientifically and have embedded scientific knowledge. Pupils understand how science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Pupils know about the possibilities for careers in science.