Science
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Our intent
The 2014 National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all children:
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develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
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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
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are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. We understand that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that the knowledge can be taught through this.
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At St Luke’s, we encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school and beyond. The Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.
Planning and Delivery
Our school uses the National Curriculum in England 2014 Framework for Science as the basis for its curriculum planning which is drawn from the Science Scheme of Work. We develop our Medium Term Plans using a range of sources. While there are opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge in each teaching unit, the planned progression built into the Science curriculum means that the children are increasingly challenged as they move through the school. Links are made to termly themes and other curriculum subjects where appropriate and these are identified on the Wider Curriculum Document. Science is taught by individual class teachers who take responsibility for planning, resourcing and delivering this area of the curriculum. Children are offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities, visits, trips and visitors to complement and broaden the curriculum. These are purposeful and link with the knowledge being taught in class.
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Early Years Foundation Stage
We teach Science in the Nursery and Reception classes as an integral part of the topic work covered during the year. As the Reception class is part of the Foundation Stage of the National Curriculum, we relate the scientific aspects of the children’s work to the objectives set out in the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) which underpin the curriculum planning for children aged three to five. Science makes a significant contribution to developing a child’s knowledge and understanding of the world, for example through investigating what floats and what sinks when placed in water.
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Special Educational Needs Provision
We teach Science to all children, whatever their ability, in accordance with the school curriculum policy of providing a broad and balanced education to all children. Teachers provide learning opportunities matched to the needs of all children.
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Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development
Science teaching offers children many opportunities to examine some of the fundamental questions in life, for example, the evolution of living things and how the world was created. Through many of the amazing processes that affect living things, children develop a sense of awe and wonder regarding the nature of our world. Science raises many social and moral questions. We give them the chance to reflect on the way people care for the planet and how Science can contribute to the way we manage the earth’s resources. Science teaches children about the reasons why people are different and, by developing the children’s knowledge and understanding of physical and environmental factors, it promotes respect for other people.
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Monitoring
The science subject leader and SLT will monitor the teaching and learning of science in line with reference to the school improvement plan, and the expectations of our curriculum intent. Monitoring will take place in the following ways:
· Termly book scrutinies
· Planning scrutinies
· Lesson observations
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Whole School Science Overview:
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Example Science Unit Overview:
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Click for Science Skills Progression Map
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