Science

Science Curriculum

Intent

At Micklem Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in school, 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. We aim to develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms, the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

At Micklem Primary School, 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          scientific enquiry 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.
• 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.
• 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.  Children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, using various programmes of study and resources. In Early years, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as Boxmoor Trust, Science fairs in school and educational visits linked to the science curriculum.

We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills.  

Implementation

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children can achieve high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:

• Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. Teachers use questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge, vocabulary, and skills to assess children’s understanding regularly.
• We build upon the learning and skills development of the previous years. As 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 ability to draw conclusions based on real evidence.
• Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed.  New vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. 

Impact

The successful approach at Micklem Primary results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first- hand experiences of the world around them. Outdoor learning has improved the level of engagement with Science, pupils are able to see science as something relevant to the world around them and their own lives.  Pupil voice has been used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning of pupil’s views and attitudes to Science which supported the children’s enjoyment of science as  motivated learners.