Science
Science
Intent
The National Curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future
Children at Torridon Primary School are engaged, curious and excited about science. At the core of teaching and learning is the focus to ensure that children are ultimately given the tools to take ownership of their own learning and that they are given the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills which will best serve them when undertaking the next stage of their learning journeys. In a reflection of the school’s vision, the aim of science at our federation is to commit to achievement and developing individual interests and talent.
It is important that children at Torridon see themselves as scientists. Part of the commitment towards the children’s engagement and their meeting and excelling age-related expectations is to embed the understanding and use of key scientific vocabulary throughout teaching and learning. As well as celebrating well-known scientists, we aim, where possible, to promote a greater variety of scientists who reflect the diversity of our school.
Science is a subject that encompasses the world around us. At Torridon, we teach an inclusive curriculum with allows challenge for all students, regardless of their starting points. Support is put in place to ensure that students of all abilities are able to progress and meet their individual potential.
Through science, we prepare children to ask questions about the world around them and actively encourage them to seek the answers to these questions through real life experiences. We believe in the invaluable learning opportunities that can happen inside as well as outside the classroom. Our children need to see science at work in real life, as a result, we strive to offer learning through off-site visits and engaging experiments and observations.
Children from years 1–6 focus on working scientifically to answer questions about the world around them. They do this by asking questions, collecting and analysing data, developing explanations, solving problems and seeking and using evidence to test their ideas and answer questions. The children will work scientifically through exploration using all of their senses. Children conduct observations over time, recording changes and taking measurements. Children seek patterns by observing and recording natural events. The children find relationships between factors through fair testing. Through sorting objects or events into groups the children learn to identify and classify. To find out information that the children may not be able to investigate for themselves, children research using books and websites.
Implementation
At Torridon, science topics are taught within each year group in accordance with the National Curriculum. We follow the CUSP schemes of work to ensure curriculum coverage and promote critical thinking. Every year group will build upon the learning from previous years, therefore developing depth of understanding and progression of skills and vocabulary. At the start of each topic children will review prior learning and will have the opportunity to share what they already know about a current topic. They are also encouraged to ask questions about what they would like to find out. There are regular opportunities to review the learning taken place in previous learning in the form of cumulative quizzes.
Children in Year 6 are taught about the three core disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics and know which subject they are learning about. Through the explicit teaching and use of knowledge notes, children build up specialist vocabulary throughout each topic as well, which enables them to engage in scientific discussion. Science is taught as a discrete subject, however where possible, cross-curricular links are planned for, with other subjects such as maths, English and computing.
We ensure our lessons are as practical as possible as we believe this is how children learn best. Children focus on working scientifically to answer questions about the world around them. They will carry out investigations in each unit, which will give them the opportunity to ask questions, make predictions, solve problems, collect and analyse data and develop their own explanations and conclusions. Children are often given the opportunity to plan their own enquiries in order to develop these skills further and test their own ideas. They are encouraged to present their findings in a variety of ways, using science specific language, and where possible, we link our mathematical knowledge to our science lessons by using a range of different charts and graphs.
At Torridon, we are lucky to have our Forest School garden, and we make use of this during science lessons wherever possible. Where possible, trips are planned to enrich and enhance the pupil’s learning experiences. The science curriculum for each half term is shared with parents and events such as Science Week encourage parental engagement.
Teachers use assessment for learning each lesson to ensure misconceptions are highlighted and addressed. Children’s learning is also formally assessed throughout the year to ensure they are on track.
Impact
By following this framework, children will develop the skills necessary to feed their curiosity and fascination about the world around them. In doing so, they will learn about the impact they have and the multitude of ways in which they interact with their ever-changing environment. This will encourage them to think critically about the actions they want to take throughout their lives to shape the world around them for the better, both for citizens of the world now and future generations. Now more than ever, a robust appreciation and understanding of science is necessary. The foundations laid at Torridon Primary School will address this need, remaining with the children for the rest of their lives and equipping them for their journey in education and beyond.