Science
A Hepburn
Science Lead
Intent
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At Chapel End Juniors, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we aim to give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires. The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence. At Chapel End Juniors, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children 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 scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them; · be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future. · develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge. ·Use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, cross-curricular manner, including Computer Science, .diagrams, graphs and charts and a variety of written text types. · Develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety. · Develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery. The National Curriculum provides a structure and skill development for the science curriculum being taught throughout the school, which is now linked, where possible to the theme topics. This reflects a balanced programme of study. We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education. Our desire is for our children to be inspired to become the future astronauts, forensic scientists, toxicologists or microbiologists. Chronological Understanding The successful approach at Chapel End results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first-hand experiences of the world around them. So much of science lends itself to outdoor learning and so we provide children with opportunities to experience this where possible. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science. Pupil voice is used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning of pupil’s views and attitudes to Science to support the children’s enjoyment of science and to motivate learners. |
Implementation
National Curriculum:
Science is taught consistently in standalone lessons, once a week for up to two hours. Teachers plan sequential lessons using National Curriculum objectives and PLAN documents.
Sizzling Starters will engage pupils and provide them with an entry point to their topics. These also enable children to reflect and remember prior learning.
Practical elements to lessons ensures that children are engaged and enthused during their Science learning. The ‘Outdoor classroom’ and ‘The Wild Woods’ are also used to engage learning. Children are also able to develop their investigative skills. They make systematic and careful observations and take accurate measurements to gather data using a range of equipment.
Leadership: Children will take on the role of Ambassadors to promote Science in their Year Groups and across the school; continuing to raise the profile of science in and out of the classroom.
Science/STEM clubs: Children are given the opportunity to participate in enjoyable and engaging after school clubs which highlight the STEM subjects. These clubs help to foster creativity, promote teamwork and encourage knowledge application.
External Stimuli:
Through trips and visits, children will be given the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge beyond the classroom. Children are encouraged to make links between Science and other subjects.
Important Scientific figures will broaden the knowledge of the children by teaching them about a diverse and multi-cultural range of scientists throughout history.
Thoughtful Questioning builds on children’s natural curiosity, encourages deeper thinking and the consideration of other viewpoints.
Recording allows children to share and explain their findings. These findings are recorded using scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys, bar/line graphs and tables. Pupils use their results to make predictions, suggest improvements and raise further scientific questions.
Themed Days to celebrate and raise the profile of important scientific findings. We celebrate British Science Week by completing fun and exciting experiments and also participate in the Great Science Share for schools.
Impact
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At the end of each year, pupils will have a comprehensive understanding of the science curriculum and a positive outlook on their learning journey through Chapel End. They will be able to discuss their findings using key vocabulary and references from their completed work. Children will have covered the five areas of scientific enquiry, developing their analytical and questioning skills along the way. By the end of the cohort year, most children will achieve age related expectations in Science. (EXS)
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