Science
Science Curriculum Intent
At Reydon Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we 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 and inspire the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.
At Reydon Primary School, 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 science 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, scientific manner, including use of ICT, diagrams, graphs and charts.
- 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 will provide a structure and skill development for the Science curriculum being taught throughout the school, which is linked, where possible to other subjects to provide cross curricular links to the scheme of work, which reflects a balanced programme of study.
We ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills progressively; throughout the year, as they move through year groups at Reydon, and as they move into the next stage of their education in KS3 and into their future life experiences.
Science Curriculum Implementation
At Reydon Primary School, children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, using various programmes of study and resources. In Early years, Science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. Additional opportunities are provided in Science such as: Science days for children and parents, Science competitions in school, and educational visits linked to the Science curriculum, for example, visits to Minsmere RSPB Reserve.
Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;
- Science will be taught in planned and arranged topic blocks by the class teacher. This is a strategy to enable the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge.
- Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up.
- We build upon the knowledge and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
- Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in-keeping with the topics.
- Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts when appropriate.
- Science is promoted as something that does not just happen in the classroom. We raise the profile of Science thorough our Science competitions and Science Days which have been designed to enable the children to see how Science affects all that is around them.
- We continue to work as part of the partnership with the Ogden Trust. The Ogden Trust enables us to promote Science, in particular Physics, within our school.
Science Curriculum Impact
At Reydon, our Science curriculum provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world around them.
The impact will be measured through the following ways:
- Pupil voice and engagement
- Book looks
- End of unit quizzes
- Regular reflections from staff and pupils
- Lesson observations and learning walks
- Ongoing CPD opportunities for staff
Science Learning Journey