Science

Intent

We believe that Science teaches an understanding of natural phenomena, allowing children to be curious and to discover. We encourage children to ask ‘How?’ and ‘Why?’ and develop a lively interest in the subject.

In Early Years, our naturally inquisitive students will learn through indoor and outdoor provision, as well as time in Forest Schools. They will make observations, read stories, ask questions and experiment, talking about things that they have found.

In Key Stage One, children will build on their knowledge, learning about plants, animals, materials, habitats and the weather. Science is explored in a hands-on way, making learning memorable and fun for all learners. Children will develop scientific enquiry skills and complete investigations- choosing to use appropriate equipment and comparing variables.

In Key Stage Two, children further their knowledge and skills, exploring chemistry, biology and physics in new and exciting ways. Children are introduced to forces, electricity, light, sound and evolution, discovering how and why things work and become more independent in their investigation. Children design their own enquiry, talk about dependent and independent variables and decide on the optimum ways to display their results.

Implementation

We strive for science to be practically taught and loved by all children and staff at our school, building children’s awareness of the world and the way things work. The curriculum is progressive, ambitious and challenging and so each year, every child is given the opportunity to build on their prior knowledge and have the skills they need to find success. Our curriculum stretches knowledge of the wider world through strong teacher questioning, extending outcomes and ambitious planning including substantive and disciplinary knowledge. This knowledge of the key concepts and working scientifically are then threaded throughout the curriculum. Pupils are given opportunities to independently pursue deeper lines of enquiry and make predictions based on their findings. Scientific enquiry skills are taught in every lesson to allow pupils to master each skill then showcase them independently. We firmly believe that STEM is for everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or social-economic background. We celebrate ‘Science Week’ and love to have visitors to talk about Science!

Impact 

Our school works with STEM ambassadors around the UK to introduce our children to real life scientists and give them an understanding of:

• What is science?

• What is a scientist?

• Careers in science

The successful approach to the teaching of science 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.

Children at Forest of Galtres will:

• Demonstrate a love of science work and an interest in further study and work in this field

• Retain knowledge that is pertinent to Science with a real life context.

• Be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.

• Be able to articulate their understanding of scientific concepts and be able to reason scientifically using rich language linked to science.

• Demonstrate a high love of mathematical skills through their work, organising, recording and interpreting results.

• Work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment.

Science outside the curriculum

• British Science Week

• Soil sampling in our school grounds

• Celebrating scientists of diverse backgrounds e.g Mary Anning

• Exploring the natural world in Forest Schools

• Morning Circle questions about scientific knowledge

• Live lessons e.g from the Royal Observatory

• Live farmer workshops for EYFS/KS1

• National Space Week Planetarium visit.

• Easter chicks hatching and growing in school!

• Baking and cooking opportunities

• Reading Plus texts about science concepts and scientists

Curriculum Documents

Link: Science – National Curriculum

Link: Science – Progression Document

Link: Science – Long Term Plan