Science

The world is going to need problem-solvers, critical thinkers, designers, technologists and scientists to be able to implement change, adaptation and sustainability for our world. We at Middle Barton recognise the importance of these future jobs and vocations and want to help equip our children for this future.

We have carefully developed a curriculum with a progressional knowledge structure so that our pupils have a skill set that enables them to understand the importance of the sciences and the role that they could play in developing sustainable resources, alternative energies, and forefront innovations. Our science curriculum has been carefully designed to strike a balance between children securing the knowledge and understanding they need of key scientific concepts, whilst also enabling them to develop their ‘working scientifically skills’ through a range of scientific enquiry types and cross-curricular learning opportunities.

Intent 

EYFS follow the EYFS Framework and Development Matters and KS1 and KS2 follow the National Curriculum
We recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires.
 
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.
 
At Middle Barton, in conjunction with 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 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;
• 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.
• 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.

The National Curriculum will provide a structure and skill development for the science curriculum being taught throughout the school, with staff working from a two year rolling program that ensures all objectives are covered while also enabling more time to be spent embedding skills and learning. Working scientifically skill objectives are split across the years’ planning to ensure key skills are covered.  
 
Children are taught Science in a variety of ways, including during Outdoor Learning sessions where children are able to learn and apply their knowledge using hands-on activities. In Early years, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them. Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as Outdoor learning.

Implementation

Science in Reception is explored through Understanding the World and shared books and stories.
Lessons are delivered based on prior learning (where appropriate) before introducing new learning: where new concepts, skills and knowledge are taught.
Lessons are planned in clear progression so that knowledge is enriched, embedded and applied, ensuring information is maintained in the long-term memory. Children are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science. 
Open-ended questioning enables varied and wide-ranging discussion using high level scientific vocabulary with children encouraged to voice their own scientifically based hypotheses.
All classes have working walls to scaffold children’s learning, including subject specific vocabulary.

Impact 

The impact of the science curriculum is that children leave Middle Barton with a high level of science knowledge and experience, where they are not afraid to ask questions and take their learning forward. This is due to the breadth and depth of the curriculum, exposure to rich scientific vocabulary and coverage of enquiry skills. 
Teachers have a good understanding of both prior learning and the topic progression to ensure the children are taught appropriately. 
From Years 2 - 6, we use tailor-made, summative assessments at the beginning and end of a topic to check for understanding and allow misconceptions to be spotted and addressed. Reception and Year 1 elicit prior knowledge through the use of verbal questioning.