Science

Intent

At Bournebrook C. of E. Primary School, we firmly believe that science should give children the opportunity to stimulate their curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It aims to satisfy their interest in finding out why things happen in the way that they do and it also teaches methods of investigation, experimentation and discovery. Science will stimulate a child’s creative thought and will encourage children to ask scientific questions about the world around them. We believe that every child has the potential to achieve during a science lesson and that every child can develop knowledge and key scientific skills.

Implementation

All science lessons at Bournebrook C. of E. Primary School follow the National Curriculum 2014. We teach science as a standalone subject but will make relevant cross curricular links if they are appropriate. We follow a three rolling programme in the Lower and Upper School which allows for areas of science to be revisited. The Bournebrook Science Curriculum document adds a further layer to the Long Term Plan. It details the knowledge to be learnt, skills to be acquired and non-negotiable investigations to allow for progression of the Working Scientifically Skills. Our aim is to develop scientific knowledge and skills through carefully planned exciting science opportunities. During each lesson, children will develop their use and understanding of key scientific vocabulary through carefully planned ‘talk time’ to explore science by using high quality visual images. Links to embed previous learning and deepen understanding are planned for and are referred to throughout each lesson. We aim to support children to develop an understanding of the process and methods of science by providing a range of scientific enquiries, investigations and questions to help them explore the world around them. In Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, children will develop their learning about science through the use of first-hand practical experiences. In Key Stage 2, children’s learning will also enable them to further develop their use of scientific equipment and to present conclusions both clearly and accurately. They will be encouraged to work scientifically by observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things and carrying out simple comparative tests. Through their teaching, teachers reinforce the expectation that all children are capable of achieving and succeeding in science. The large majority of the children progress through the curriculum at the same pace. Teachers will differentiate the programmes of study within the science curriculum where required and will use questioning to assess children regularly. Teachers will also provide opportunities for children to learn about past and current scientists who have had a profound impact within science. They will also be encouraged to consider science-based issues that may affect their own lives and the future of the world.

Impact

Throughout each lesson, formative assessment takes place and is given to the children through marking to ensure they are meeting the learning objective. Teachers make use of formative assessment in working scientifically and also knowledge. At the start, during and at the end of a particular topic, teachers will use a range of assessment strategies to determine what children already know, any misconceptions and how secure their learning is. These assessments help teachers pitch lessons, act upon misconceptions and demonstrate progression in learning.