Intent

Rood End Primary School recognises and values the importance of science and scientific enquiry. Science at Rood End Primary School aims to develop a fun, practical and engaging high-quality curriculum that inspires the next generation to succeed and excel in science. We do this through fully adhering to the aims of the national curriculum and fostering a healthy curiosity and interest in the sciences. At the heart of our progressive science curriculum is scientific investigation. Wherever possible we intend to deliver lessons where children learn through varied systematic investigations, leading to them being equipped for life to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments and investigation, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently, being familiar with scientific terminology and, most importantly, to continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings

Implementation

The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons. At Rood End, 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 weekly, following the schools medium term plans for science and using specific ‘I can’ statements. Plans are adapted to ensure children of all abilities are catered for. Science learning will be recorded in individual pupil workbooks, alongside year group practical evidence books.
• Our curriculum is progressive. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years, which is tested through our ‘pre-learning tests’ where teachers can identify misconceptions that need addressing.
• 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
• The use of scientific equipment, working scientifically skills and key scientific vocabulary is outlined in our whole school ‘skills progression document’ in order to embed scientific understanding and ensure progression of skills. This document will work alongside the medium term plans to eliminate repetition of learning. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts.
• Children gain an understanding of the relevance of science in their everyday lives and their future careers through the use of relevant resources and teaching.

Impact

The successful approach to the teaching of science at Rood End Primary results 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. So much of science lends itself to outdoor learning, so we provide children with opportunities to experience this wherever possible. Children leave Rood End Primary with an enthusiasm for science and a knowledge of possible careers in science as a result of their learning.