Science
Our aims for Science is to ensure that by the end of KS2 all pupils:
· 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
· are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future
The teaching of Science at St. James’ Lanehead aims to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. We are also aspirational to provide challenge to all pupils.
Science is taught as a discrete subject and is timetabled in on a weekly basis. The Science curriculum is sequenced enabling pupils to build upon prior learning. Science is part of the rolling programme within school and due to the vertically grouped nature of the cohorts, it is necessary for certain year groups to be covering the same topic at the same time in order to ensure coverage and to allow them to fully access the science curriculum. Where a topic is repeated in a subsequent year group that has previously covered the topic, the skills covered illustrate the clear and progressive nature of our spiralling science curriculum Through the progression document, knowledge on the topics covered develops as children move through school and ‘working scientifically’ skills are embedded in each of the topics the children cover. This allows children to build upon their prior knowledge and increases their enthusiasm for the topics whilst embedding this knowledge into the long-term memory.
All children are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations, as well as being encouraged to questions the world around them and become independent learners in exploring possible answers for their scientific based questions. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built upon, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged. Concepts taught should be reinforced by focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that children learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions.
As a school, we are using Hamilton Trust to support medium term planning. This provides guidance for teachers so that progression and depth is evident within topics and repetition does not occur but still allows teachers to be creative with their planning. The ‘SWAT Science Cluster’ is also providing support for the development of science within school, the SWAT Science Cluster is working with the University of York. Subject leaders support one another as many ideas are shared, joint planning completed, equipment can be loaned to support learning and competitions are being organised to continue to develop the passion for science and help children to flourish.
Knowledge organisers are created for each topic, which contain the relevant subject knowledge and key vocabulary. These are displayed in classrooms, in books and also sent home.
The children’s learning experience is enhanced through extra-curricular opportunities, which includes ‘Mad Science’ providing an assembly and after-school club, Science Club and trips to support learning such as Jodrell Bank.
The Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) was awarded in 2022.