Middle Barton School

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, which is now linked, where possible to the theme topics to provide a creative scheme of work, which reflects a balanced programme of study.

Children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2. 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.

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.

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.