Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organising our curiosity.
- Tim Minchin
Intent
At Shortlanesend School we recognise and value the importance of science and scientific inquiry in the curriculum and in life. The learning of science at Shortlanesend School aims to develop a fun, practical and engaging high-quality curriculum that inspires the next generation to succeed and shine in science - this fits perfectly our ethos of:
Smile - Learn - Excel
Our teachers planning fully adheres to the aims of the national curriculum whilst fostering a strong curiosity and interest in the sciences. At the very heart of our progressive science curriculum is scientific investigation. Wherever possible we intend to deliver lessons 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
Using Developing Experts as a guide and resource within the school ensures the acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. Sequenced knowledge enables 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 inquiry skills are of key importance within lessons. Our 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 reinforcing the ethos of inspiring and encouraging our children to learn more, remember more and understand more.
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.
- 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 Children's knowledge is regularly reinforced and assessed to identify and combat 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 in order to embed scientific understanding.
- Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts.
- Through enrichment days, such as ‘science week’, we promote the profile of Science and allow time for the children to freely explore scientific topics.
Class 4 investigating evaporation.
Class 4 investigating gas, liquids, and solids.
Class 4 investigating gas, liquids, and solids.
Class 4 investigating conductors and insulators.
Class 4 investigating gas, liquids, and solids.
Class 4 making simple circuits.
Class 6 Investigating how light is effected by different materials
Class 6 Making lampshades from opaque, translucent and transparent materials.......how does it effect the light?
Class 6 Lampshade in action!
Impact
Our successful approach to the teaching of science at Shortlanesend School 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 - we produce confident and curious scientists.
So much of science lends itself to outdoor learning, and so we provide children with opportunities to experience this. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our community links and class Aspirations boards. 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.
Overall, the impact goal for all our children is they learn more, remember more and understand more in science.
