Science
At Poverest, we aim to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity through practical activities which enables the lessons to be engaging and to come 'alive'.
We follow the Kapow Primary's Science curriculum . Teachers use the long term plan and objectives from the scheme and select tasks relevant to that objective which are suitable for the children in each class. Lesson activities can be sourced from a variety of published schemes including EduKent and Hamilton Trust.
During our Science lessons, we mainly focus on the 5 key skills that are required to conduct successful enquiries and experiments. These skills are embedded throughout both KS1 and KS2. We learn to observe and record changes over a period of time; to find patterns when collecting and organising data; research information by using secondary resources like the internet and books; to group and classify objects and lastly, conducting fair experiments. We try and create activities that encourage 'awe and wonder'.
Science is often covered on external educational visits and you can see examples of this in our newsletters or on our class pages.
Intent
Poverest Primary School recognises and values the importance of science and scientific enquiry through active learning. Science at Poverest Primary School aims to develop a creative, practical and engaging high-quality curriculum that inspires the next generation to succeed and excel in science. We do this through fully adhering to the aims of the national curriculum and fostering a healthy curiosity and interest in the sciences. At the heart of our progressive science curriculum is scientific investigation. Wherever possible, we intend to deliver lessons that are inclusive to all and where children learn through varied systematic investigations, leading to them being equipped for life to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills, and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments and investigation, building arguments, and explaining concepts confidently, being familiar with scientific terminology and, most importantly, to continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.
implementation
The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. Linked knowledge organisers enable children 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 Poverest, teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children can achieve high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following: • Science will be taught in planned, and arranged, topic blocks by the class teacher. Our strategy is to enable all children to be catered for through adapted planning suited to their abilities.
We plan for problem solving and real-life opportunities that enable children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating practical, engaging lessons with opportunities for precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning.
Our curriculum is progressive. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years.
Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills 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 topics.
Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills to embed scientific understanding.
Through enrichment days, such as ‘science week’, we promote the profile of science and allow time for the children to freely explore scientific topics.
Impact
The successful approach to the teaching of science at Poverest results in a fun, engaging, high quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world that they can take with them once they complete their primary education. Pupil voice is 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.
