Science

Science teaches an understanding of natural phenomena. It aims to stimulate a child’s curiosity in finding out why things happen in the way that they do. It teaches methods of enquiry and investigation to stimulate creative thought. Children learn to ask scientific questions and begin to appreciate the way in which science will affect the future on a personal, national and global level.

Our objectives in the teaching of science are to:

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 children to answer scientific questions about the world around them;
equip children with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

The Intent, Implementation and Impact of Science at Barford St Peters Primary School:

Intent

At Barford St Peters Primary School we aim to:

Provide foundations for the children to begin to understand the world around them.
Ensure children have a secure understanding of a topic before moving on to ensure genuine progression.
Ensure children use technical scientific vocabulary precisely and accurately to explain concepts and justify their reasoning when rationalising a concept.
Teach all pupils essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.
Encourage pupils to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Ensure pupils are aware of current scientific advances and news to allow them to see the importance of science in our modern world.
Ensure children connect and link their learning to other areas of the curriculum.
Develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.
Enrich children's learning experiences and increase their science capital.

Implementation

Science is taught in Early Years through the 'Understanding the World' strand of the Early Years statutory framework. They are given opportunities to explore scientific concepts through structured play activities.
Science is taught weekly across all key stages.
Objectives are planned to ensure a progression of skills across the school using the National Curriculum for guidance.
Working scientifically is embedded within a topic to support the children's understanding of conceptual knowledge.
A range of scientific enquiries are planned into the curriculum including: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources.
One element of working scientifically is usually an objective to ensure the written element of an enquiry isn't as onerous.
Staff are supported with CPD from subject leader.
Children are taught correct scientific vocabulary.
Children are supported when orally explaining scientific knowledge in order to ensure they are articulating scientific ideas using appropriate vocabulary and in order for teachers to address misconceptions.
Where appropriate, science is linked to other subjects. For example, when presenting data, there may be a link to maths.
Visits, trips and workshops (for example to The National Space Centre) help to enrich the children's science capital.
Science week enthuses the children and allows them to experience a wide range of activities. The use of knowledge organisers helps to introduce new learning and consolidate knowledge at the end of a topic.
Children are assessed continuously throughout a topic by teacher assessment. At the end of a topic to gauge their understanding, children take a short assessment. This is inputted into a tracker, for whole school assessment.

Impact

When our children leave Barford St Peters, they will:

Understand the importance of science in our society.
Be continually excited and curious about the world around them.
Use their experiences to explore ideas and raise questions.
Have a secure understanding of the key scientific concepts outlined in the National Curriculum.
Be equipped with the skills to select, plan and carry out an enquiry in their further study at their chosen secondary school setting.
Have an improved science capital.
Be ready to continue to learn about science at secondary school where they will begin to engage meaningfully in more sophisticated discussion of experimental design and control and learn higher order content.