Science

We cover all  the National Curriculum objectives through discrete units of study. Each of these units of study has been assigned to a particular Year group in line with the guidance from the National Curriculum (2014). Teachers decide the best times of year to study some of the units, as well as when different aspects of learning within a unit will need to be taught at different times across a year.

1. Sequence of knowledge and concepts.
   In accordance with the guidance in the new National Curriculum, we have created a progression in the key scientific knowledge and concepts, from Year 1 to Year 6. Each unit of study clearly indicates the aspects of knowledge to be developed. Some units are part of a  ‘learning journey’; i.e. where the knowledge and concepts for that particular aspect of science are revisited within different year groups as the child progresses through the primary phase.

2. A range of activities that will enable the children to develop both their scientific understanding and their mastery of the nature, processes and method of science:

   • ‘Working Scientifically’ through a constructivist approach to learning - Throughout every unit of study the emphasis is on the children learning by doing. In accordance with the constructivist theory of learning, the units encourage the teachers to provide activities that enable the children to test their previously held ideas. In doing so, they will also be encouraged to develop a bank of skills and an understanding of the processes required to be able to do good science. In every unit of work the most suitable aspects of the statutory requirements for Working Scientifically have been selected. Each of these requirements are thoroughly covered throughout both of the Key Stages.

   • Scientific vocabulary - Each unit of study contains a section outlining the most appropriate scientific vocabulary to be used when studying that particular area of science. This will help children to become familiar with, and use, technical terminology accurately and precisely.

   • Resources - The scheme contains a list of resources that would be required for each of the units.

   • Hooks - Within every unit of work there are many suggestions as to strategies that teachers can use to ensure that children are interested and engaged in the content.

   • Teacher subject knowledge - Every unit of work has a section designed to provide teachers with a good understanding of the knowledge and concepts that will be covered within that unit.

   • Scientists - Every unit of work lists some of the scientists who are working, or have worked, in that particular area of science.

   • Preparation for the learning - For every unit of work there is a section that outlines when and how teachers can prepare for the activities that they would like to do with the children.

   • Recording - There are suggestions throughout every unit as to how the children could record their learning. Consideration has been given to not just how they will record, but also the reason for recording in each of the different instances.

   • A range of learning strategies designed to engage the children - As well as the full range of practical scientific enquiries outlined, there are plenty of other strategies provided to engage the children in their science learning; drama, deep thinking time, problem-solving in various contexts, videos from web pages, etc

To develop metacognitive learning, all Science lessons begin with a Learning Question. Starting with a question enhances engagement and develops a sense of wonder. Having collected enough knowledge throughout the lesson, children are then expected to answer the Learning Question in a self-evaluation. We aim to develop children’s curiosity and encourage it to continue and grow well beyond the lesson.

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For each of the units an assessment record sheet has been created in a central base spreadsheet. Each of these sheets will allow teachers to record children’s achievements during their studies for both the knowledge aspects within a particular unit, and some of the requirements from Working Scientifically. These record sheets, and the intended learning objectives included in the units of study will enable the teachers to identify what the children need to know or be able to do next, as well as support them at different times in the year to make summative judgements as to the children’s attainment. In addition, teachers run a set of unit assessments to ensure judgements are accurate and that Children’s knowledge is accurate. This data can then be monitored and supported where needed.