Intent

At Gilbertstone Primary School, we believe that a high-quality Science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The curriculum will support children in recognising the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. We encourage children to become enquiry-based learners and to collaborate through researching, investigating and evaluating experiences. 

We have constructed our curriculum to support children in developing a sense of interest, excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They will be encouraged to ask and answer questions about the world around them and work scientifically to further their conceptual understanding and scientific knowledge. Children will be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

Implementation

Starting in the Foundation Stage, our children are provided with opportunities to investigate scientific questions, through practical exploration. Science is taught through the areas of learning in accordance with the EYFS Framework. In Key Stage 1 and 2 we provide full coverage of the National Curriculum programmes of study.

In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in Science, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school.  Children’s prior knowledge and skill development is systematically built upon in subsequent units. Children are provided with opportunities for self-assessment and reflection of the skills and knowledge they think they have developed within each unit.

We aim to provide opportunities for the critical evaluation of evidence and the rational explanation of scientific phenomena, as well as opportunity to apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science, including collecting, presenting and analysing data.

Emphasis is placed around working scientifically to ensure each lesson is enquiry-based. Lessons also provide children with the opportunity to acquire new scientific knowledge and understanding which is built upon as children move through the school. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, they become more proficient in selecting and using scientific equipment; collating and interpreting results, and drawing conclusions based on real evidence. Each lesson develops critical thinking by beginning with a key question that is aligned to one of the following working scientifically skills:

• Comparative Testing
• Fair Testing
• Observing how scientific ideas have changed over time
• Identifying and Classifying
• Pattern Seeking
• Observation over time
• Scientific Research

Children are encouraged to draw simple conclusions and use scientific language to talk and write about what they have found out. They are taught to present their findings in a range of ways including written outcomes, images and charts and graphs. Emphasis is placed upon the importance of acquiring new scientific vocabulary and this is integral to each lesson.

We have an annual Science Week which allows all pupils to explore a broader range of topics as well as making links with our Relationships and Health Education curriculum. Children also have the opportunity to further their scientific knowledge and skills through exploration of some topics, such as animals and living things, through their Forest School sessions.

Impact

Pupils will:

• Enjoy their learning in science and high expectations allow for all pupils to achieve their best.

• Develop the ability to think critically and methodically, asking scientific questions to support their learning.
• Develop and retain knowledge and understanding of key scientific concepts
• Develop and acquire a wide variety of scientific enquiry skills
• Be able to reflect on their learning and describe the skills and knowledge they have developed
• Develop a rich vocabulary which will enable them to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively to investigate and experiment.