Science teaches us how to make sense of the world around us through developing a child’s understanding of the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all children should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of Science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, children should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how key foundational knowledge and concepts can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. This foundational understanding should be consolidated through their appreciation of the specific applications of Science in society.

Intent

At St John’s Primary School, we aim to make science enjoyable and exciting for our pupils! We encourage each child to develop their curiosity and question the world around them through our Science curriculum. Children are taught to work scientifically, through a range of scientific enquiries linked to each discipline. These types of scientific enquiry include observation over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources.

Through building up a body of key knowledge and concepts, pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of questioning while adopting a role of inquisitive investigator.  With this, they develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.  

Implementation

Teachers create a positive attitude towards Science learning in the classroom by maintaining a high level of subject knowledge.

Science is taught in planned blocks throughout the year. It is taught once a week, providing ample opportunity for children to explore and investigate the world around them. Kent Scheme of Work and other resources such as ASE Planning Matrices are used from Year 1 to Year 6, to teach a comprehensive curriculum with a progression of both knowledge and skills.

Curiosity is amplified through scientific reasoning and ‘What If’ questioning, supported through scientific investigations and vocabulary.

The use of review and ongoing assessment techniques are used in every lesson to assess the knowledge that individuals have retained and to address any misconceptions if they occur.

Summative assessment is completed at the end of each unit by the teacher noting the level of knowledge and the ability of individuals to work scientifically.

We build upon the knowledge and skill development of previous years, developing the use of scientific equipment, interpretation and collation of results, drawing conclusions. Throughout St. John’s School, children will explore the 5 types of scientific enquiry which builds on their subject-knowledge and working scientifically skills.

Science Week and Investigation Days provide opportunities throughout the year to develop cross curricular links and scientific inquiry skills.

Impact

The successful and effective approach to teaching Science at St John’s C of E Primary School results in an engaging, fun, critical and high-quality Science education, providing the pupils with the foundations for understanding the world. Through a variety of Science-themed events throughout the year, which include Science enrichment week and Investigation days, children have the understanding that Science has changed our lives and it is vital to the world’s future. From learning about the work of various scientists and understanding the purpose of Science, children learn to think more like scientists and to develop STEM-related ideas for their future careers. This results in highly-engaged children who enjoy, and have a passion for, Science, thus leading to motivated learners with sound scientific understanding.

Science in the Early Years

Science at Foundation Stage is covered largely in the EYFS curriculum in the area of ‘Understanding the World’. Children are introduced indirectly through activities that encourage them to explore, problem solve, observe, predict, think, make decisions and talk about the world around them. Children are directly introduced to Science through exploration of topics such as Living Things and their Environments, Forces, Everyday Materials, Weather and Space.