Science at wellhouse
our aims
From Reception all the way up to Year 6, we encourage curiosity through exploration, observation and hands-on investigation, following a well planned science scheme from Kapow Primary, which supports pupils in meeting the Early Learning Goals for understanding the World and the end of key stage attainment targets set out in the National Curriculum.
Children's scientific knowledge and understanding is supported by gaining the foundational knowledge of key scientific concepts; addressing common misconceptions; learning specialist vocabulary to articulate scientific ideas.
They are supported to work scientifically by learning about the scientific processes and methods through methods of enquiry, including observing over time; pattern-seeking; indentifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing; and researching using secondary sources.
Children experience science in action by learning about famous scientists of the past and the methods they used and identifying how scientific understanding has changed over time.
intent
Science should form part of our daily lives and it is important to recognise this in our curriculum. At the Heights Federation, we recognise the value of teaching and this is shown through our teaching. The aim of science is to increase pupils' knowledge and understanding of the world we live in, and to develop the skills of scientific enquiry. We strive to develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment whilst providing opportunities for the critical evaluation of evidence.
Science will be taught weekly throughout Key Stages 1 and 2. In the Early Years, Science will be taught through the children's learning of the world around them. Where possible, we will provide additional opportunities to explore science by enhancing our curriculum through educational visits and using our local environment. We work hard to ensure that the science curriculum we provide for our children will give them the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills for the next stage of their education and life experiences. The aims of teaching science in our school are:
- To develop the children's understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of enquiry, that will help them to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them.
- To equip the children with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science today, and for the future.
- To use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including ICT, diagrams, graphs and charts.
- For the children to develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle, with regard to their own, and other children's safety.
- To encourage the children to foster an enthusiasm and enjoyment for scientific learning and discovery.
implementation
Our teachers strive to create a positive attitude to science within the classrooms, reinforced by the expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Teachers work creatively to engage and inspire all children. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:
- Science is taught in units carefully planned by the class teacher, following the Kapow Primary science programme. This ensures that there is full curriculum coverage, allowing the children to explore and achieve a depth of knowledge and learning.
- Kapow Primary Science works to provide examples of science in real life contexts, encouraging children to explore their own real life contexts.
- Teachers create engaging lessons, with high-quality resources to aid the understanding of conceptual knowledge.
- Classrooms will have a science learning wall, which will showcase the children's learning and provide key vocabulary and knowledge to build on throughout each unit.
- Through our lesson delivery, we involve problem solving opportunities through a range of investigations, allowing childre to explore and make their own scientific enquiries. We encourage children to ask their own questions, whilst providing opportunities for them to apply their scientific skills to a range of contexts, and to research to discover the answers independently. This supports and celebrates the child's curiosity in the classroom.
- Formative and summative assessments are made. Whole school tracking of progress is updated following assessment.
- We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children's knowledge, understanding and skillsets increase, so does their confidence in their own ability to reach conclusions based on real evidence and results.
- Substansive and disciplinary knowledge are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the child's school career. New vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in keeping with the units of learning.
- Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various scientific skills outlined in the curriculum. This will embed scientific understanding.
- Monitoring of science takes place with strengths and next steps clearly identified. Lesson visits, book-looks and pupil voice are used to inform monitoring, assessment and judgements.
- Pupil voice is used to further develop the science curriculum through questioning of pupil's views, attitudes and understanding of science, whilst ensuring that skills and understanding are creating the building blocks of their progress through the school.
impact
Our successful approach to planning, delivery and assessment at our schools means that the standards in science are good, and our assessment data reflects this. When completing pupil voice activities and speaking to the children about their learning, it is clear that they are enthusiastic about their science lessons and that they enjoy them.
Through Kapow Primary Science, we have ensured that there is a clear progression of children's work and teacher's expectations across the schools. We prepare the children for their next steps in science, learning as they move on to their secondary education. The work that children complete shows a range of units and there is clear evidence of a full curriculum coverage in this subject. Our children are encouraged to become independent scientists who can select their own tools and materials, compelete child-led investigations and select their own strategies for recording. We use extended resources from other well known sites to enhance the opportunities and activities that we are providing for our children.
