Science
Intent
At Linby cum Papplewick C of E Primary School, we strive for all pupils to
- show a strong understanding of the world around them whilst teaching specific skills and knowledge to think scientifically
- understand scientific processes and see how science links to them now and in the future
- embrace curiosity and have the confidence to self-challenge to gain a deeper understanding of scientific knowledge
We endeavor to deliver a high quality science curriculum which allows our pupils to recognise the significance of science in their everyday lives. We explicitly teach pupils the skills and knowledge they need to become methodical, analytical and inquisitive scientists. A high quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world and stimulates the inquisitive minds necessary for the future. With a focus on developing skills in biology, chemistry and physics, each underpinned by scientific enquiry, pupils are able to experiment and discover just how important science is in the world today.
Implementation
The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our weekly science lessons. Linked knowledge organisers, which include scientific diagrams and key vocabulary, enable pupils to learn and retain the important, useful and powerful vocabulary and knowledge contained within each unit. The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons.
At Linby cum Papplewick Primary, teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving high standards in science. We use the ‘Developing Experts’ scheme of learning. This ensures our curriculum is sequential, progressive and challenging.
Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:
- Science will be taught in planned and taught in unit blocks by the class teacher. Our strategy is to enable all learners to achieve through adapted planning suited to their abilities
- Our curriculum is progressive. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years, which is tested through our ‘start of unit quizzes’ where teachers can identify misconceptions that need addressing.
- ‘Working Scientifically’ skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the pupils’ time at Linby, and new vocabulary and challenging ideas are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in keeping with the topics.
- Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various ‘Working Scientifically’ skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop pupils’ understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts.
- Through enrichment days, such as ‘science day’ and educational visits, we promote the profile of science and allow time for the pupils to freely explore scientific topics.
Impact
The successful approach to the teaching of science at Linby cum Papplewick Primary results in a fun, engaging, high quality science education, that provides pupils with the foundations for understanding the world. Much of science lends itself to outdoor learning, and we are fortunate here at Linby cum Papplewick Primary that we are surrounded by woodland and nature. Therefore, we provide pupils with opportunities to experience science in the outdoors where possible.
Pupil voice and books looks are used to further develop the science curriculum, through questioning of pupils’ views and attitudes towards science, to assess the children’s enjoyment of science and to motivate learners.
