At Tewin Cowper Primary, we recognise that Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

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.

CURRICULUM AND SUBJECT CONTENT

The programmes of study for science are set out year-by-year for key stages 1 and 2 in the National Curriculum. Class teachers are responsible for ensuring that all of the relevant statutory content is covered within the school year. We use the PLAN resources for inspiration when planning our lessons to keep the learning hands-on and be like real Scientists!

The school’s ‘Whole School Science LTP (Long Term Plan)’ outlines the units to be taught (see link to PDF below), including the National Curriculum objectives to be covered within that unit. Staff have the autonomy to move units and objectives around if seen fit for their class and the structure of their topics. "Understanding of the World" is one of the 7 Curriculum areas in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children explore the world around them, spot patterns, notice changes in their environment and make predictions for what might happen next! They are true Scientists and use the Working Scientifically skills which are built on in Key Stage 1 and 2.

WORKING SCIENTIFICALLY WITHIN THE CURRICULUM

Class teachers must ensure that there are frequent opportunities for pupils to ‘work scientifically’ within the curriculum. ‘Working scientifically’ specifies the understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science. Pupils are required to work scientifically within all areas of the science curriculum from Early Years, all the way through to Year 6.

Intent: Children will be able to apply previously learnt knowledge and skills in each year group, with a good understanding of how to work scientifically and enquiry skills. Children will show an equal balance of skills and subject knowledge to a high standard as also seen in English and topic books. Children will have access to high quality Science texts to inspire a love of learning and enquiry and high quality resources to enhance their hands on experiences. Children will acquire a wide scientific vocabulary and become confident Scientists.

Implementation: Focus for this year: To ensure teaching focuses on any learning needed missing learning due to Coronavirus so children have secure knowledge to then make at least good progress. Teachers to assess children’s knowledge at the beginning of each unit using KWL grid (or a similar form) to help assist in the planning of the unit. Morning activities in each class once a week to assist in the ‘testing effect’ by keeping knowledge fresh. Use assessment posters and unit cover sheets to inform assessment.

Impact: Science books will show quality scientific vocabulary and children making connections between knowledge learnt and new knowledge. Children’s KWL grid (or similar) will show new learning. Knowledge will be fresh in the children’s minds allowing them to make connections and build on their scientific knowledge.