Science

Intent

Our intention when planning and delivering the science curriculum at Squirrel Hayes First School is to inspire sustained curiosity in the subject of Science through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics that will help each learner to understand the complex world around them and to be driven to find out more! We want each learner to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

We aim to prepare our learners for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world. Science will be taught through the driver of discovery.

The teaching of critical scientific knowledge, exploring science through hands on experiences and understanding the importance of scientific discovery in the past and in the future will be at the heart of Science teaching and learning.

It is our intention that, through investigative science, learners will continue to deepen their respect for the natural world and all its phenomena, and increase their care and appreciation of it.

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

• Science will be taught in planned and arranged topic blocks by the class teacher. This is a strategy to enable the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge.
• Science knowledge will be taught and embedded across a series of lessons so that learners retain vital information.
• We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and 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 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.

Statement of Impact
The successful approach at Squirrel Hayes results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world.

Children learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our community links and connection with national agencies such as the STEM association. Pupil voice is used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning of pupil’s views and attitudes to Science to support the children’s enjoyment of science and to motivate learners.

Class teachers, SLT and the Science Leader will measure the impact of curriculum planning for Science through factual knowledge, investigations and conceptual understanding through learning in books, assessments and a wide range of discussion-based activities. Analysis of impact will inform ongoing curriculum planning.