Appleton C of E Primary School

Science

What is Science?

Science is a systematic investigation of the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the world which relies on first-hand experiences and on other sources of information. The scientific process and pupils’ problem-solving activities will be used to deepen their understanding of the concepts involved. The main aspects of science to be studied will be determined by the programmes of study of the New National Curriculum.

Through Science, pupils at Appleton C of E Primary School will continue to deepen their respect, care and appreciation for the natural world and all its phenomena.

Aims of Science

At Appleton C of E 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. Science in our school is about developing children’s ideas and ways of working that enable them to make sense of the world in which they live through investigation, as well as using and applying process skills. The staff at Appleton ensure that all children are exposed to high quality teaching and learning experiences, thus developing their scientific enquiry and investigative skills. All children, irrespective of gender, learning ability, physical disability, ethnicity and social circumstances, have equal access to the science curriculum and its associated practical activities. 

Through our science teaching, we aim: 

  • to develop pupils’ enjoyment and interest in science and an appreciation of its contribution to all aspects of everyday life
  • to build on pupils’ curiosity and sense of awe of the natural world
  • to use a planned range of investigations and practical activities to give pupils a greater understanding of the concepts and knowledge of science
  • to introduce pupils to the language and vocabulary of science
  • to develop pupils’ basic practical skills and their ability to make accurate and appropriate measurements
  • to develop pupils’ use of computing in their science studies
  • to promote a ‘healthy lifestyle’ in our pupils

How is Science taught?

Planning for science is a process in which all teachers are involved to ensure that the school gives full coverage of ‘The National Curriculum programmes of study for Science 2014’ and ‘Understanding of the World’ in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The study of science will be planned to give pupils a suitable range of differentiated activities appropriate to their age and abilities. 

Pupils will be involved in a variety of structured activities and in more open-ended investigative work:

  • activities to develop good observational skills
  • practical activities using measuring instruments which develop pupils’ ability to read scales accurately
  • structured activities to develop understanding of a scientific concept 
  • open-ended investigations

Wherever possible science work will be related to the real world and everyday examples will be used. 

In EYFS, pupils investigate science as part of Understanding of the World. Through careful planning, pupils’ scientific skills and conceptual understanding gained at Key Stage 1 will be consolidated and developed during Key Stage 2.

Pupils in Key Stage 1 will be introduced to science through focused observations and explorations of the world around them. These will be further developed through supported investigations into more independent work at Key Stage 2. The knowledge and content prescribed in the New National Curriculum will be introduced throughout both key stages in a progressive and coherent way.

Intent

Appleton C of E Primary School recognises and values the importance of science and scientific enquiry. 

At Appleton C of E Primary School, we aim to develop a fun, practical and engaging high-quality science curriculum that inspires the next generation to succeed and excel in science. We do this through fully adhering to the aims of the national curriculum and fostering a healthy curiosity and interest in the sciences.

At the heart of our progressive science curriculum is scientific investigation. Wherever possible we deliver lessons where children learn through varied systematic investigations, leading to them being equipped to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them.

We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills.

We ensure that the 'Working Scientifically' skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments and investigations, and building arguments and explaining concepts confidently. It is our intent that all children will become familiar with scientific terminology and, most importantly, will ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.

Implementation

In line with the Science Programmes of Study from the National Curriculum 2014, science is taught as five block units per year group across all of Key Stage 2 and four block units per year group across Key Stage 1. Each unit includes a strong focus on the skills of scientific enquiry through an investigative and exploratory approach that makes learning memorable. 

Science will be taught as a stand-alone subject but suitable links to other topics can be made where appropriate throughout the academic year. Links to English and Maths will be made were appropriate.

At the start of each unit, concept maps are used to develop an initial assessment of pupils’ prior learning.  Using this initial assessment and curriculum objectives, teachers have the flexibility to plan lessons which meet the needs of the pupils in their class, differentiating for scientific skills and understanding as well as literacy skills and Special Needs. Planning should not be rigidly set and where possible enquiries should be child led and flexible. There will be a strong focus on discussion to broaden children’s scientific understanding. Throughout the units, time is allocated to address misconceptions as they arise.  Scientific vocabulary is specifically taught and revised throughout each unit. Throughout the unit or on completion of the unit, children demonstrate new knowledge and understanding by adding to their concept maps.

A variety of learning opportunities are used to deliver our curriculum, and teachers are encouraged to make learning in science as hands-on and creative as possible whilst still making learning explicit.  Opportunities to develop STEM activities will be undertaken throughout the year.  The BE SAFE book is used to ensure safety is always considered in science lessons.  Opportunities to attend off-site Science activities or in-school activities such as Specialist visitors, Industry, workshops or whole school Science events ensure we offer a broad and wide Science Curriculum.

Impact

Impact is measured by ensuring children not only acquire the appropriate age-related knowledge linked to the science curriculum, but also skills which equip them to progress from their starting points, and within their everyday lives.

Formative assessment is used as the main tool for assessing the impact of Science at Appleton C of E Primary School, as it allows for misconceptions and gaps to be addressed more immediately rather than building on insecure scientific foundations.

Assessment at Appleton C of E Primary School is teacher based and formed using a range of informal strategies;

  • Childrens contributions to class discussions
  • Quiz style questions
  • Verbal and written outcomes from learning
  • Initial and final concept maps
  • Observations and careful questioning of pupils working scientifically.

Judgements will be formed as to whether pupils are emerging, expected or exceeding at Working Scientifically and whether pupils are emerging or at expected for their conceptual understanding and knowledge. 

Children at Appleton C of E Primary School will:

  • demonstrate a love of science work and an interest in further study and work in this field.
  • retain knowledge that is pertinent to science with a real-life context.
  • be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.
  • be able to articulate their understanding of scientific concepts and be able to reason scientifically using rich language linked to science.
  • demonstrate a high level of mathematical skills through their work, and their organisation, recording and interpretation of results.
  • work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment.
  • achieve age-related expectations in science at the end of their cohort year.
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