Science
Science
Intent:
At Sacred Heart Primary School, we encourage children to be inquisitive and see science as the world around them, whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them think and reason scientifically. We want them to gain an understanding of scientific processes and a knowledge of how these fit into the world of work as well as having a rich range of scientific vocabulary which they can use progressively as they advance through school.
Implementation:
At Sacred Heart School, EYFS children are encouraged to extend their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Staff work to develop excitement and wonder in science, they encourage the children to verbalise what they notice and support them to begin to make links with scientific facts and knowledge.
Planning follows National Curriculum programmes of study and we work with schools within our trust on a SHINE project to plan lessons and ensure all children learn and retain knowledge. In each lesson, pupils are given key facts and knowledge. The work in every class is revisited through the school years and each science session begins with an activity to activate prior knowledge. Children in each key stage have age-appropriate science journals which they use weekly record what they notice as scientists; this prepares them to recognise science is everywhere and by noticing more, they can make solid predictions linked to everyday life when enquiring scientifically.
All our lessons contain a balance of the different ‘Working Scientifically Skills’ and ‘Scientific Enquiry’ types, so that children practise a broad range of skills throughout the curriculum. Wherever possible and suitable the children are taken outside for a first-hand experience of their learning.
STEM opportunities are developed throughout the school and large projects such as Primary Engineers, Green Car and STEMazing Ambassadors encourage children and their families to see opportunities for all and potential careers in science.
Impact:
The successful approach to the teaching of science will result in children developing their confidence, their love of science and their knowledge of careers and opportunities related to science. We have several assessment opportunities to track pupil progress within lessons and units of work. Teachers report on FFT each term to ensure all age-related expectations are met where possible. In Key stage 2 children are able to take a quick online quiz to establish progression in scientific knowledge and enquiry. Children complete their own learning journeys with subject specific language to ensure that significant progress has been made in each topic.