Intent

At Woodseaves, we recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life. The intent of our science curriculum is focused on increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

​

At Woodseaves, following the aims of the National Curriculum, our science teaching offers opportunities for children to:

​

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics;

• Develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of enquiries that help children to answer scientific questions about the world around them;

• Be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

• Develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.

• Use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.T., diagrams, graphs and charts.

• Develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.

• Develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.

 

Implementation

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. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;

​

• Science will be taught in planned and arranged blocks by the class teacher using knowledge organisers developed with the subject leader to ensure that all knowledge and skills are covered in line with the National Curriculum.

• Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow 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. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up.

• We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.

• 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.

 

Impact

The impact of this approach at Woodseaves is an engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. The children will continue to deepen their respect for the natural world and all its phenomena, and increase their care and appreciation of it. Children at Woodseaves have many opportunities to engage in fun and interesting trips, visits and experiences where they are immersed in and able to explore different scientific topics. Children learn about the historical impact of scientists from around the world in numerous famous discoveries such as the creation of the world with consideration of religious beliefs. We aim to ensure our children are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. Our children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity and are motivated to participate in the development of science as they move to the next stage of their education.

​

​