Silkstone Primary School

Science

Intent

 It is our intention that teaching and learning in Science develops children’s ideas and ways of working that enable them to make sense of the world in which they live through investigation, as well as by using and applying process skills.  Children will be able to confidently use key scientific vocabulary and scientific equipment across the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics to develop an understanding of the world around them. They will be able to recognise the power of explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena, by building on key foundational knowledge and concepts.  They will understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

 Implementation

Science lessons have a clear learning outcome, explicit teaching of knowledge and skills and opportunities to develop and apply learning in a range of contexts.  Science lessons provide opportunities for children to investigate key concepts, building on previous knowledge.  Children are taught technical vocabulary to support them in planning, conducting and analysing investigations.  Science lessons are planned to encourage open-mindedness, self-assessment, perseverance and investigative skills. They build on our children’s natural curiosity and encourage the development of a scientific approach to problems. Where practical, learning is linked to aspects of the children’s daily lives to provide context and encourage children to make links in their learning.  Children use a range of scientific equipment and record and explain their findings in a number of different ways.  Formative assessment is ongoing throughout each and every lesson. It judges progress and enables teachers to make flexible adaptions to their planned teaching. Through this regular ongoing assessment, tasks are matched to the ability of each child through differentiated activities and adult support which enables a level of challenge that is stimulating for children and develops their questioning skills. We use summative assessment to assess foundation subjects and identify any gaps or misconceptions to be addressed or passed onto the following teachers. This is used to show clear coverage and progression.

 Impact

 Children will have a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.  They will have developed key foundational knowledge and concepts in science and have the skills and vocabulary to predict, explain and analyse cause and effect.  They will understand the importance of science on our lives, today and in the future.

Class Coverage

Disciplinary Knowledge

Substantive Knowledge

Science Curriculum

Science Shows

We loved our science shows led by the Royal Institute.  Thank you to the PTFA for organising these for us.