Science at Barcombe C E Primary
Intent
At Barcombe C E Primary, we want every child to be curious and want to learn more about how and why things work the way they do. We aim to nurture children’s interest and understanding in science so they want to learn more about the importance of science. We want them to understand that science affects every aspect of life and is vital to the world’s future success.
Through our science curriculum, we will teach the essential aspects of scientific knowledge, enquiry processes and uses of science so children have a body of key foundational knowledge about natural phenomena. We want children to understand the power of logical explanation, and come to rational conclusions. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Science is everything and everywhere!
Implementation
Science is taught as set out by the year group requirements of the National Curriculum. Our school uses Developing Experts science scheme to ensure the accumulation of knowledge and progress through the primary years.
Science investigations take place each term, ensuring all scientific skills (planning and hypothesising, investigating, data gathering and analysis, evaluating practical work and presenting conclusions) are covered. Each skill is related and there are links between them and each becomes firmly embedded.
Problem-solving opportunities are planned, allowing children to find out for themselves how to answer questions in a variety of practical ways. Children are encouraged to ask their questions and be given appropriate equipment to use their scientific skills to discover the answers.
Engaging lessons are created having both practical and knowledge elements. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills and children are regularly assessed to identify those children with gaps in learning so that all children keep up.
Prior learning and skills are built upon year on year. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increase they become more proficient in selecting and using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results. Children become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
Working scientifically: skills are explicit in lessons to ensure they 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 theme of the lesson.
Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts.
Children also participate in STEM days throughout the year. Our STEM days aim to develop and create critical thinkers, increase science literacy, and enable the next generation of innovators.
Impact
Children are enthused and motivated by science. Pupil voice shows that children enjoy the practical aspect of the subject and enjoy learning facts and understanding scientific phenomena.
Teacher assessment demonstrates that the majority of children reach end-of-year expectations in the subject.
Our successful approach to science at Barcombe C E Primary results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the natural world.
Wider Community Links:
Our Science Curriculum is further enriched by our link with Cumnor House.
The children benefit from having a set up Science lab and the Science experts at the school.
Every year group will visit Cumnor House at least once in their time at school.
Forest Schooling:
Forest Schooling takes place weekly for all our EYFS pupils.
All other classes have a set of sessions through the school year.
These sessions allow the children to explore seasonal change, and the wonders of the outdoor world in our amazing outside area.
Modelling
Modelling is to be seen in all Science lessons to show children what the process looks like and to model high level recording.
Moderation
Science moderation meetings to happen using the NC objectives and interim assessment documents (year 2 & 6). These will focus on consistency across the Federation as well as ensuring that pupils are making progress in all areas of Science.
Assessment
Children are assessed on all Science units by their class teachers. This allows us to track any children that may need further support in their Science learning.
The data is added to and moved on with the children to the next teacher.
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Impact:
Here are just a few things that the children have to say about science:
‘Science is brilliant. It is fascinating and fun.’ Daisy
‘I love Science! It is my favourite lesson.’ Cora
‘I really look forward to Friday as that is our science morning.’ Sam
Links:
(Ofsted, May 2019) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/801429/Education_inspection_framework.pdf