Science is led by Mrs Townsend

Intent

At Nursteed School, it is our intention to provide a high quality science education that provides children with the foundations they need to recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. Our curriculum enables children to become enquiry based learners collaborating through researching, investigating and evaluating experiences. It will encourage respect for living organisms and for the physical environment. Teachers will ensure that all children are exposed to high quality teaching and learning experiences. These will hook the children’s interest, enabling them to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They will be encouraged to ask questions about the world around them and work scientifically to further their conceptual understanding and scientific knowledge. Children will be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. It will provide opportunities for the critical evaluation of evidence and rational explanation of scientific phenomena as well as opportunity to apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science, including collecting, presenting and analysing data. Children will be immersed in key scientific vocabulary, which supports in the acquisition of scientific knowledge and understanding. All children will be provided with a broad and balanced science curriculum which reflects the equality and diversity policies and practice in school.

Implementation

At Nursteed School, we use a practical, child-led and inquiry-based approach to science. Wherever possible, science is taught through practical and hands on activities with children enjoying learning through exploration and questioning; they have the opportunity to use good quality resources and ‘real’ science equipment.   Each lesson should have some practical element, whether as a game, demonstration, investigation or challenge.  

In EYFS, science is taught at appropriate times through the year when learning opportunities arise dependent on other curriculum areas being taught and children’s interests.  This is accomplished through play and exploration of the world around the children.  It is heavily based on storytelling and role-play.  All children are given the opportunity to carry out more formal investigations every year.   In KS1, investigations are planned by the teachers, but carried out by the children.  By the time they reach UKS2, these investigations are modelled by teachers but planned by children.

All teaching follows the National Curriculum and Development Matters for Science.  All teaching ensures that progression is made from previous learning where appropriate so children can make links and deepen their understanding of the area of the curriculum being taught.  

Impact

The successful approach to the teaching of science at Nursteed School will result 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. Assessment at Nursteed School is teacher based and formed using a range of strategies (e.g. periodic year group assessment tasks, pre and post unit quizzes) and informal strategies (Use of concept maps, verbal/written outcomes, reflection tasks/presentations). Formative assessment is used as the main tool for assessing the impact of Science at Nursteed School as it allows for misconceptions and gaps to be addressed more immediately rather than building on insecure scientific foundations.

Children at Nursteed School 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.
• achieve age related expectations in Science at the end of their cohort year.

British Values in Science

Democracy

In our Science lessons, we learn to take into consideration the views and opinions of others. We take turns and instructions from others.

The Rule of Law

In our Science lessons, we learn and understand the importance of following safety rules when working scientifically. Science lessons help children to understand the consequences of their actions, which in turn helps them to apply this understanding to their own lives.

Individual Liberty

In Science we learn to confidently share our own opinions and ideas and respect the opinions of others. Within our lessons pupils are encouraged to make their own choices when planning an investigation and recognise that others may have different points of view.

Mutual Respect

When learning and investigating during Science lessons we work as a team, supporting each other and sharing ideas and opinions. We discuss our findings and respect each other’s work - through this we offer support and advice to others.

Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Through lessons and discussion we look at scientific discoveries which have come from other cultures and how religious beliefs often compete with scientific understanding. We learn to be respectful of these beliefs and to appreciate and understand them.

SMSC in Science

Spiritual 

• Children look for meaning and purpose in natural and physical phenomena
• Children wonder about what is special about life
• Children have an awareness of the scale living things from the smallest micro-organism to the largest
• Children understand the interdependence of all living things of  lving things  and materials of the earth
• Children develop an emotion drive to know more and wonder about the world, the vastness of space and the beauty of natural objects

Moral 

• Children develop an increasing curiosity
• Children develop an open-minded approach to the suggestions of others.
• Children consider that scientific developments may give rise to moral dilemmas
• Children consider the environment.

Social

• Children undertake practical work in groups
• Children develop team working skills
• Children learn to take responsibility for their own and others safety.
• Children understand that science has a major effect on the quality of our lives.
• Children consider the benefits of scientific developments and the social responsibility involved.

Cultural 

• Children learn about scientific discoveries about part of our culture and the culture of others. 
• Children learn about the wide range of men and women from a range of cultures who have made scientific discoveries.