At Kingslea Primary School, our science learning aims to develop children’s creativity through providing a practical approach to learning. Pupils are encouraged to develop a sense of curiosity and excitement about natural phenomena and build the foundations for understanding the world through studying biology, chemistry and physics. They will have the opportunity to engage in the wide-range of learning areas that the National Curriculum offers. This involves the regular introduction of new ideas as well as the chance to embed and build on previous learning. Our children develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries which will help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. Furthermore, children are encouraged to use what they already know and through careful elicitation and questioning, are able to further this.
Implementation
Our science Curriculum provides pupils with memorable, hands-on experiences. Pupils are provided with diverse and rich opportunities from which children can learn and develop a range of subject-specific and transferable skills. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Consequently, all pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Children are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Children complete mini pre and post assessments to inform teaching and to ensure all children receive the support they need to learn. Lessons are planned with scaffolding, activity variation and targeted support in mind so that every child is included, whatever their individual needs may be.
In Key Stage One, children raise questions and draw conclusions based on observations. Children carry out simple tests using a range of different enquiries, with a strong emphasis on practical experiences to reflect and challenge their understanding. As children move in to Years 3 and 4, skills are extended and built upon and knowledge expanded through independent research. Children set up and run practical enquiries, such as fair tests, make observations and record and report results in a variety of different ways. In order to deepen understanding and broaden skills, children in Years 5 and 6 will use their knowledge to investigate different phenomena in a more analytical manner. They will encounter more complex and challenging areas of science, such as evolution and inheritance. When revisiting themes, they will be identifying the type of enquiry to use, as well as planning, carrying out and reporting on their own investigations based on pupil-led questions.
Impact
Our engaging, relevant Science curriculum ensures that all pupils are prepared with the skills to solve problems and understanding to explore the implications for Science today and in the future.
By the end of KS2 our pupils are equipped with the knowledge required to understand the world, develop inquiring minds and through harnessing curiosity, develop a deep understanding about science and the natural world. At Kingslea, children are able to demonstrate their knowledge by talking about concepts using scientific vocabulary with confidence.