Becoming Scientists

Great are the works of the Lord, they are pondered by all who delight in them. 

Psalm 111:2

Science at Whitegate C of E Primary School

In science at Whitegate C of E Primary School, we grow through taking part in a plethora of investigative learning which will enhance our wisdom. Our restless curiosity and resilience to explore the world around us will prepare our children to shine.

We provide our children with a broad and ambitious science curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, where children learn how science works and why science matters in the world.

Science is taught through first-hand experiences with a range of resources and stimuli. Our children are encouraged to work scientifically and to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations. They encouraged to question the world around them and become more independent learners in exploring possible answers for their scientific based questions.

Intent
The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• 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.
• 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.
• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

At Whitegate Primary we aim to give all pupils a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.

Scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic the pupil’s study and these topics are revisited and developed throughout their time at school. Wherever possible, teachers are encouraged to identify cross curricular opportunities for science to further strengthen pupils' scientific knowledge whilst enriching their learning.

All pupils are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations, as well as being encouraged to question the world around them and become independent learners in exploring possible answers for their scientific based questions. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built up, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged. Concepts taught are reinforced by focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions.

Implementation

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and underpin an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:

• Existing knowledge is checked at the beginning of each topic, using various strategies. This ensures that teaching is informed by the pupils' starting points and that it takes account of pupil voice, incorporating children’s interests.
• Science planning includes problem solving opportunities to allow children to apply their knowledge, and find out answers for themselves. Pupils 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, using contexts that are relevant and current. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess pupils regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all pupils keep up. Tasks are selected and designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.
• The knowledge and skill development of the previous years is built upon. As the pupils' knowledge and understanding increases, 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 that skills are systematically developed throughout the pupils' school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in-keeping with the topics.
• Pupils 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. Furthermore, a week is designated for science week to create a real buzz and excitement for science.
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Impact

• The above results in an engaging, fun, relevant and high-quality science education, fostering a curiosity in our pupils whilst providing them with the foundations for understanding the world around them.
• From interactions with various scientists and engineers, children begin to understand the true purpose of these disciplines. They feel like they are scientists and this results in more pupils developing ideas for their future careers through the Developing Experts online resource.
• Children and staff at Whitegate C of E Primary thoroughly enjoy science. This results in highly-engaged children, leading in turn to motivated learners with sound scientific understanding.

In short the aims of teaching science in our school are:

• To prepare our children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world;
• To explore, investigate and ask questions to deepen the children’s understanding;
• To develop practical skills by working scientifically;
• To build on our children’s natural curiosity and develop a scientific approach to explore exciting challenges, both independently and cooperatively;
• To understand the nature, process and methods of science;
• To articulate scientific concepts clearly and precisely using scientific language;
• To remedy misconceptions;
• To understand the uses and implications of science today and for the future;
• To have an awareness of the impact of science, scientists and their discoveries;
• To use problem solving skills and see connections between science other subject areas.

 Websites we recommend to explore:

BBC science KS1: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6svr82

BBC science KS2: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z2pfb9q

Science Kids: https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/

Our Science year group curriculum overview:

 If you have any questions about our Science curriculum, please contact Mr Fowles (subject lead) via the school office.
Thank you

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