Frithwood Primary School

Science

Intent

The intent of Frithwood’s primary science curriculum is to ensure that all pupils develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world around them. We want to equip them with the necessary science skills to help them understand the world and recognise the importance of science in the welfare of our future. The scheme of work that the school uses has been designed to ensure full coverage of the national curriculum and to promote a range of working scientifically skills, including questioning, researching and observing. We encourage our children to understand how science can be used to explain what is happening in each scientific investigation, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. Scientific language is taught and then built upon as topics are revisited in different year groups and across key stages. It is our intent to encourage children to develop their scientific vocabulary, whilst learning to articulate scientific concepts clearly and precisely. We aim to ensure that our children develop a secure understanding of each key block of knowledge and concepts in order to progress confidently to the next stage.

Implementation

Early Years Foundation Stage

Science in the Early Years is threaded through all of the seven Areas of Learning. Specifically, 'Understanding the World' involves guiding the children to make sense of the physical world and their community. At Frithwood, Early Years pupils learn how to look after themselves, eat healthily and stay safe. They have frequent opportunities for outdoor play and exploration. We encourage them to be curious and to use all their senses to investigate. Pupils are introduced to specific vocabulary as and when it is appropriate and the learning is often enhanced with books that are shared in the classroom.

Key Stage 1

Science is taught through the National Curriculum and PlanBee scheme of work. Cross-curricular links are made and learning about science is through practical activities. Children are encouraged to develop their own scientific ideas by forming their own questions, observing changes over time, grouping and classifying things and carrying out simple tests. Children are encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice. The children are encouraged to begin to use scientific language to talk about what they have found.

Key Stage 2

Science is taught through the National Curriculum and PlanBee scheme of work. The main teaching focus of science in Key Stage 2 is to provide pupils with a platform to broaden their scientific view of the world around them. This in turn enables them to design their own investigations, ask questions about what they observe and select the most appropriate method to answer these questions. Children are also encouraged to use scientific vocabulary in order to talk and write confidently about what they have discovered. This facilitates greater depth of learning and development of scientific skills.

Impact

Children will become enthusiastic learners with a secure understanding of all areas of the science curriculum. Due to an enriched curriculum, delivered by confident teachers through engaging and inspiring lessons, children will acquire the skills needed to think and act like a scientist.

The Frithwood science curriculum will continually develop through relevant CPD, building upon the school’s current science curriculum and using assessment to influence planning and teaching. Children attending the school will understand the importance of science, confidently develop their own scientific questions and, as a result, enthusiastically investigate science.

Working Scientifically

In addition to topics covered, a large part of the national curriculum for science is working scientifically. This means equipping children with the skills needed for scientific enquiry, for example, thinking logically, questioning, planning/carrying out investigations and drawing conclusions. Included in this area of learning are the following five strands: