Science
Intent
At West Street Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. Science in our school is about developing children’s ideas through enquiry, as well as using and applying process skills. The staff at West Street ensure that all children are exposed to high quality teaching and learning experiences, which allow children to explore their outdoor environment and locality, thus developing their scientific enquiry, investigative skills and love of Science. They are immersed in scientific vocabulary, which aids children’s knowledge and understanding not only of the topic they are studying, but of the world around them. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils 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 science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes. Furthermore, we believe this will inspire pupils to develop their curiosity and fascination about the natural and man-made world and a respect for the environment that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
At West Street Primary School, we aim to prepare pupils for their next stage of education and life. We aim to develop the skills and knowledge needed to be a scientist, whilst making learning in science engaging and enjoyable. Every child has a natural curiosity about the way the world works. We aim to develop pupils’ enjoyment and interest in science within all aspects of everyday life. Where possible, we use outdoor learning and real-life experiences. Using a range of planned investigations and practical activities, we build on pupils’ curiosity and sense of awe in the natural world.
As we aim to prepare pupils for high school and help them to think like scientists, we ensure the pupils are able to develop their ability to plan fair tests, make predictions, record results (using ICT, diagrams, graphs, tables and charts) and to make generalisations about their learning. We value the use of scientific vocabulary and model this with our children, encouraging them to use it to explain their scientific thinking.
Progress is measured throughout Key Stage 1 and 2. Children complete pre/post topic assessments for each unit of work.
Children’s scientific skills, knowledge and understanding are assessed half-termly. Science is taught following progressive learning objectives, linking to Grammarsaurus which are in line with the updated National Curriculum which aims 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 enquiry which helps pupils to answer scientific questions about the world around them;
- Equip pupils with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.