Science
Intent
At Ernesford Grange Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of our daily lives. Our aim therefore is to provide a high quality science education, through the disciplines of Chemistry, Biology and Physics, which gives our children a strong understanding of the world around them, an understanding of the uses and implications of Science today and in the future, and one which helps them develop the specific skills and knowledge to enable them to think scientifically.
At our school, scientific knowledge and the enquiry skills required are revisited and developed throughout children’s time at school. Topics are taught in Key Stage One and re-visited in further detail throughout Key Stage Two, a model which allows children to use a variety of approaches, build on and embed knowledge, whilst increasing their enthusiasm and love for the topics. All children are encouraged to develop their observations, planning and investigations, as well as being encouraged to become independent learners, where they question and explore possible answers to their scientific based questions. Specialist scientific vocabulary for topics is also taught and developed throughout.
At our school, scientific knowledge and the enquiry skills required are revisited and developed throughout children’s time at school. Topics are taught in Key Stage One and re-visited in further detail throughout Key Stage Two, a model which allows children to use a variety of approaches, build on and embed knowledge, whilst increasing their enthusiasm and love for the topics. All children are encouraged to develop their observations, planning and investigations, as well as being encouraged to become independent learners, where they question and explore possible answers to their scientific based questions. Specialist scientific vocabulary for topics is also taught and developed throughout.
Implementation
Often, Science is used as a topic focus for a half term and sometimes longer, but we aim to ensure that Science is integrated into other areas of the curriculum and scientific skills are taught throughout the year through cross curricular work. Although our curriculum is topic based, Science is taught in discrete units and lessons where needed, to ensure full coverage. We always ensure that Science, as a core subject, keeps its subject integrity.
To ensure clear progression of Science skills, we use the Cornerstones Essential Skills statements and Curriculum Maestro to plan and track our Science, through Imaginative Learning and Knowledge Rich Projects.
To ensure clear progression of Science skills, we use the Cornerstones Essential Skills statements and Curriculum Maestro to plan and track our Science, through Imaginative Learning and Knowledge Rich Projects.
Impact
At the end of each year, children’s learning is assessed against the age-related expectation bands that are based on the 2014 National Curriculum statements for Science. At Ernesford Grange, we use summative assessment to determine children’s understanding and this informs teachers planning. This is reviewed on a termly basis by the subject leader, who monitors and oversees Science.
Science is assessed and recorded using Cornerstones Essential Skills, and assessments are tracked using the Curriculum Maestro tracker
KS1
Aims:
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.
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.
Lower KS2
Aims:
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.
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.
Upper KS2
Aims:
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.
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.