Science

The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. Linked knowledge organisers enable children to learn and retain the important, useful and powerful vocabulary and knowledge contained within each unit. Knowledge organisers will be shared either: in books, on screen in lesson time or on display boards.

The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons. The progression of these skills is set out in the Progression Map. Each lesson has a clear focus. Scientific knowledge and enquiry skills are developed with increasing depth and challenge as children move through the year groups. They complete investigations and hands-on activities while gaining the scientific knowledge for each unit. Interwoven into the teaching sequence are key assessment questions. These allow teachers to assess children's levels of understanding at various points in the lesson. They also enable opportunities to recap concepts where necessary. The sequence of lessons helps to embed scientific knowledge and skills, with each lesson building on previous learning. There is also the opportunity to regularly review and evaluate children's understanding. Activities are effectively differentiated so that all children have an appropriate level of support and challenge.

We use both our indoor and outdoor environment to support the teaching and learning of Science. Most lessons are taught through the use of first-hand practical experiences using our school grounds.  We also include school trips when possible and visitors into school when appropriate.   

Progress is measured through a child’s ability to know more, remember more and explain more. This can be measured in different ways. Opportunities are built into lessons for ongoing assessment, this can take the form of: quizzes, marking work, discussion, participation and other forms that a teacher sees as appropriate. Attainment and progress will be measured across the school using our tracking system.

The learning environment across the school will be more consistent with science technical vocabulary displayed, spoken and used by all learners. Whole-school and parental engagement will be improved through the use of science-specific home learning tasks or projects and opportunity to participate in the annual ‘Science Week’ both at home and in school. Children who feel confident in their science knowledge and enquiry skills will be excited about science, show that they are actively curious to learn more and will see the relevance of what they learn in science lessons to real-life situations and also the importance of science in the real world.