Compton C.E. Primary School

EYFS Understanding of the world, KS1 and KS2 Science

Our vision

Is to ensure all children flourish and can take their place in the world as informed and responsible citizens, ready and able to meet the global challenges of sustainable and equitable living. At Compton Primary, we believe that science should:

Curriculum Intent

We intend 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 skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. We understand that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that the knowledge can be taught through this

At Compton CE Primary, we promote curiosity in our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Children's natural curiosity about the universe and their respect for both living and non-living things are fostered by our science curriculum. We believe learning science includes developing positive attitudes, concepts, abilities, and knowledge. Throughout the programmes of study, our 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 children's working scientifically skills are enhanced and refined throughout their school years. This allows our children to ask questions, be inquisitive about their environment, and confidently explain concepts.

Implementation

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;

• A cycle of lessons for each subject that is meticulously planned for depth and progression;
• 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, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children make progress;
• We adapt lessons based on children’s responses, using creative, interactive approaches that foster curiosity and a sense of wonder.
• We encourage exploration, questioning, and investigation in dynamic learning environments.
• We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence;
• 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 ‘Big ideas in Science’;
• Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning whenever possible;
• Children are offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities, visits, trips and visitors to complement and broaden the curriculum. These are purposeful and link with the knowledge being taught in class;
• Regular events such as Science Week, allow all pupils to come off-timetable, provide broader provision and allow for the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills. These events often involve families and the wider community.

Impact

Upon completion of their journey through our school, our aims for Science are to ensure that all pupils will:

• 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 and how to take their scientific investigation further
• are equipped with an interest in science and the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future