Science

Intent

At Christchurch Infant School, it is our intent that pupils will develop a fascination and love of learning Science.  We want children to enjoy finding out about the Science within their everyday lives whilst also gaining the skills and knowledge to work scientifically; use equipment, conduct experiments, ask questions and be curious about the world around them.

 

Staff ensure that all children are exposed to high quality teaching and learning experiences. We aim to make best use of our outdoor environment and local area in order to develop their scientific enquiry and investigative skills. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught so that children gain a knowledge and understanding not only of the topic, but also of the world around them.

 

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Implementation

In order to achieve high standards of teaching and learning in Science, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the school. Wherever possible, Science is practical, hands on and linked to class topics wherever possible.

 

Every class in Key Stage One has a Science floor book which is used to record any Science learning taking place. They contain mind maps created at the start of a unit to show what children already know about the topics being taught, questions from the children about what they would like to find out and photographs of pupils actively learning with annotations to record children’s thoughts and responses. Classes also have a Science table with an investigative focus which can be linked to their current learning or consolidating previous learning.

 

Working scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed and new vocabulary is introduced through direct teaching. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons which encourage children to use their investigative skills to question, test, observe and explain.

A clear scheme of study is used by Key Stage One taken from ‘The National Curriculum programmes of study for Science 2014’ and key objectives are documented in the schools medium term planning, which is monitored by the Science lead.

 

The Foundation Stage deliver Science content through the ‘Understanding of the World’ strand of the EYFS curriculum. This involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment. All classes have an investigation station where resources are provided for children to explore independently. This develops their speaking and listening skills as well as learning about the world around them. The activity is modelled and explained during their ‘Let’s Explore’ sessions in the afternoons. Teachers use questioning to expand upon their learning and address any misconceptions that may arise.

 

Impact 

The successful approach at Christchurch Infant School results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. The impact of this is to ensure children not only acquire the appropriate age related knowledge linked to the science curriculum, but also skills which equip them to progress from their starting points, and within their everyday lives.

 

 

   All children will have:

• A wider variety of skills linked to scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry/investigative skills.

• A richer vocabulary which will enable to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.

• High aspirations, which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life.

• The ability to demonstrate their success as a scientist, be curious about scientific processes and the

   world around them.

 

Children at Christchurch Infant School thoroughly enjoy Science and this results in motivated learners who are able to achieve national expectations by the end of Key Stage 1.