Science

Intent

At Crowton, we recognise the importance of Science in assisting children with their understanding of the world around them. Our vision is to give children a curriculum which enables them to explore and discover, so that they have a deeper understanding of the world in which we live. To achieve this it involves exciting lessons and learning that encourage curiosity and questioning.

The scientific area of learning is concerned with 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.

Science lessons are planned to ensure that children 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. Sessions are designed to help our pupils be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future. When children leave Crowton they will be able to use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts. Pupils will have developed a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety. Our intent for Scientists at Crowton so that they develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery. We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences.

Implementation

Teachers create an excitement for Science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving highly. The implementation is science at Crowton is taught in planned and arranged blocks by the class teacher. Some link to thematic planning, others are taught discretely. Where possible, cross curricular links are made. Teachers follow the long-term plan and cover the national curriculum objectives stated. This strategy enables progression through year groups.

Prior knowledge is checked at the beginning of each topic to ascertain the level at which children are learning at and planning is adjusted accordingly. Children are encouraged to ask and answer questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers especially in KS2.  Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, often involving a range of resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge such as literacy texts and materials from our Science store. Tasks are selected and designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.

Throughout the key stages we build upon the knowledge and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to draw conclusions based on evidence. Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure that skills are developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and concepts are introduced through direct teaching.

Events such as Science Week or project days, STEM sessions or science blocked learning allow all pupils to come off-timetable, to provide broader provision and the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills.

Impact

The Science implementation at Crowton results in an enjoyable, engaging, education, that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world. Learning outside the classroom and using the school grounds and local area encourage a thirst for knowledge and a deepening understanding of the natural world. Through various workshops, online sessions and Science topic afternoons, children learn a broad and balanced curriculum that ignites a curiosity for learning and encourages children to ask the big questions. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science. By introducing key historical and current high-profile Scientists to our classes, children have exposure to a range of backgrounds and specialities. Children at Crowton enjoy science and this results in motivated learners. They leave Primary School with a great basis for future learning in high school and beyond.

Our engaging science lessons are often posted on our school twitter account. Year Our gallery on the School website also documents some science learning from different classes.  Children are able to talk about their experiences in Science with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. They are able to show progress in their learning by the vocabulary and explanations which accompany the outcomes the children produce.