Science
"Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure science"
Edwin Powell Hubble, American astronomer
Intent:
Children will learn about scientific concepts and explore these concepts further through the use of scientific skills in order to help them understand the natural world. By the end of primary school, children will be competent in reading, writing and talking about science drawing on scientific vocabulary.
The intent of the science curriculum in Bedfont Primary is guided by the National curriculum.
National curriculum:
- Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
- Develop understanding of nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
- Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
In Bedfont Primary we also aim to develop science capital through:
- ‘Standing on the shoulders of giants’ through a key scientist for each topic and scientist of the month displays. Highlighting representation of BAME, LGBTQIA+, dis/abilities, gender of scientists in the field.
- Celebrating successful scientific thinking, vocabulary and confidence through ‘scientist of the month’ awards.
- Encourage scientific thinking and exploration through science competitions.
- Hands on experience with extended science skills – gardening club, cooking food with produce from our garden,
- Visits from professionals in STEM careers to support learning and encourage enthusiasm for STEM careers – doctors, nurses, electricians, gardeners, vets, tree surgeons,
- School trips to a variety of locations which are within the STEM field – national parks, garden centres, science museums, look out centre, walks around local environment,
Implementation
Bedfont Primary school ensures that children will learn about scientific concepts and explore these concepts as outlined by the national curriculum. The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. This is supported using star words (key vocabulary) and sticky knowledge which are displayed on science working walls. Teachers refer to this knowledge and key vocabulary with meanings so that it ’sticks’. This enables children to readily apply knowledge and vocabulary to their written and verbal communication.
The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons.
At Bedfont primary school, teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieve it high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involved the following;
- Science will be taught weekly in Key Stage 1 and 2. In EYFS, science will be delivered through the EYFS curriculum including as part of the understanding the world ELG.
- Science in Bedfont Primary school requires deep thinking and encourages learners to work using a question as the starting point. Children are encouraged to ask further questions and be given the opportunity to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. Their curiosity is celebrated within the classroom and through our 'super scientist’ reward scheme.
- Science will be taught in planned, and arranged, topic blocks by the class teacher. Our strategy is to enable all children to be catered for through adapted planning suited to their abilities.
- Planning involves teachers creating practical, engaging lessons with opportunities for precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning.
- Our curriculum is progressive. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years.
- 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 to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts.
- We promote the profile of science through enrichment opportunities, school trips, displays around key scientists, science competitions and the celebration of British science week.