Science inspires children, encouraging them to be inquisitive about the world, nurtures their innate curiosity and enables them to develop a range of skills that are useful across the curriculum. I believe that we should all champion primary science and make sure that every child has a positive and enjoyable experience of science throughout their primary school education. I want spark the enthusiasm for science in the next generation so they can be inspired to see where science is seen throughout many various careers and that these careers are accessible to everyone.

Mrs Oral

In order to allow all children to SHINE, an enriched science curriculum that provides many opportunities for learning is vital. Science in our school provides opportunity for children to explore aspects of nature including seasons and other natural phenomenon; find out about Earth, space, and the universe and their place in it; question and explore why things happen and how things work; debate and question ‘big’ ideas such as evolution; develop a sense of ‘awe’ and ‘wonder’ about the world around them. Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. We want our pupils to develop a love for science that allows them to explore and understand the world around them, instilling in them an awareness of how science is relevant in their day to day lives.

Fundamental British Values are supported through the Science curriculum:

Democracy: Children are encouraged to work collaboratively and listen to other’s opinions and ideas. Rule of law: Children are taught the importance of following safety rules in science; they understand that some laws are put in place to support a healthy life-style. Individual liberty: Children are encouraged to express views or ideas freely, to express hypotheses and discuss ideas and to make predictions that might be different to those of other children (as seen when learning about famous Scientists). They are encouraged to express personal views when discussing a sensitive or controversial science issue. Tolerance and respect: Children are encouraged to work together to plan enquiries; decide on roles during shared investigations; listen to feedback and share conclusions; learn from others, including experts; listen to and evaluate the ideas of others.

Knowledge

Science is based on the National Curriculum 2014 with working scientifically skills following a progression approach using the Lancashire skills grid. The Association for Science Education (ASE) resources (TAPS and PLAN) are used to support both planning and assessment. Our curriculum is carefully planned to allow all children to succeed. Some topics are adjusted across year groups within a key stage in order to closely fit with other subjects and allow for a cross-curricular approach. Science is routinely taught weekly. The curriculum is spiral and therefore units are re-visited, with progression, across several year groups. The Key Knowledge Science document allows teachers to quickly access prior learning and future goals to create effective and appropriate lessons for their year group. In addition to this, teachers are given a half-termly knowledge document which provides practical ideas, key questions and links to texts. At the beginning of each science unit, children complete a knowledge document which activates their prior learning.

Assessment

We use a 5-point model of assessment in Science.

1. Activate prior knowledge

2. Use of Explorify to explore a new concept.

3. Teacher assessment through retrieval/recall/enquiry questions.

4. Two-thirds assessment (4 weeks) using a concept cartoon or Explorify to test understanding and provide time to address misconceptions.

5. Subject lead monitoring to clearly analyse application of children's knowledge and understanding alongside progress and

We then report our findings to our subject Governor and these help to inform our next steps in developing the subject.

Key Priority 1:

Create an Euxton model of assessment (5 checkpoints) which embeds retrieval practices and supports a robust monitoring and assessment cycle.

Key Priority 2:

Develop pupils’ scientific vocab by explicitly teaching and testing new vocabulary to improve their oracy.

Key Priority 3:

Create an Euxton system for working scientifically with higher than present levels of independence.

We have an annual visit from Adrian Bowden's Science Show. Adrian has visited our school many times and we choose a new show each year. He performs one show for EYFS & KS1 and a separate show for KS2.

EYFS have visited Smithills Farm and also enjoy lots of seasonal walks. They have a trip to Wildwood Days and have received a visit from a Bee Keeper.

Year 1 have a STEM trip.

Year 2 visit Blue Planet Aquarium

Years 2 & 5 enjoy a visit from the Wonderdome which helps them to understand space.

Year 3 have a Wow! day based upon forces.