Science
We are Scientists
INTENT
At Haydonleigh it is our intention that children will see themselves as scientists. The school environment reflects the important we place on Science and the status the subject has in our school. Children will understand that curiosity, wonder, logical thinking and systematic enquiry are all part of being a scientist. Children will develop an understanding of the natural and physical world based on their observations and these will be confirmed or challenged through practical enquiry, research and discussion. At Haydonleigh we aim to prepare our children for the wider world by giving them the skills to acquire new information that may challenge existing hypotheses through questioning, data collection, classification and analysis and practical investigations. We aim for our children to understand that current scientific knowledge and understanding is based on evidence and so has been amended as new evidence has been discovered.
At Haydonleigh, children are taught scientific knowledge and enquiry skills through practical investigations, hands on experiences, observations and research. Our aim is to develop a broader curriculum that gives children the opportunity to acquire indepth knowledge in physics, biology and chemistry that teaches them to explain how and why things happen.
IMPLEMENTATION
EYFS
The EYFS framework allows for children’s knowledge, vocabulary, ideas and interests in relation to ‘Understanding the World’ to develop. Scientific knowledge and skills are developed through the prime areas through discussion, sharing ideas, role play, experiences and responses to stories and non fiction texts.
Scientific enquiry in EYFS is driven by children’s own questions and adult-led provocation. Children are supported to notice similarities, differences, observations and explanations about some things that occur.
Science in EYFS follows the Play, Observe, Ask model. Play: Opportunities will be given for children to play and explore new concepts, sometimes independently and sometimes with a support adults. Observe: Adults will observe their play and listen to their conversations. This will allow for adults to consider if there is an opportunity to get involved in the play to clarify the learning and extend vocabulary. Ask: Adults will consider the type of questions that they are asking to develop children’s thinking.
The EYFS setting provides a rich language environment for children with adults modelling scientific vocabulary that is appropriate for the topic and age. This gives children a good understanding of the world that prepares them for explicit Science teaching in Year 1.
Years 1 – 6
The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of science lessons. Our Science Curriculum links directly to scientific knowledge, skills and understanding to ensure that our learning is progressive and continuous.
From Year 1 – 6 Science lessons at Haydonleigh begin with a recap of previous learning which can be from current or previous years. Children then talk about what they already know about the topic and why they are learning about this and how it relates to real life. Each lesson refers to the current knowledge organiser and is explicit in why we are learning about the objective. We teach our children the vocabulary needed at an early stage in the topic and will support them to use and retain it through supporting materials such as word banks and working walls. Each classroom has a Science working wall that is a working document. The display will include key vocabulary, SE1 posters, the current knowledge organiser, real life examples and pupil and teacher work modelling the curriculum.
Children will contribute to scientific investigations and plan them, with support in KS1 and then with increasing independence across KS2. The skills and knowledge covered in each topic are progressive reflecting the children’s different levels of skill and knowledge as they progress through the Key Stages. To ensure good coverage and understanding of the disciplinary skills every week a 20-minute discrete session will be delivered.
Children will develop knowledge in their topic area through practical investigations involving paired, group and whole class work but will also have ample opportunity to show their individual understanding through recorded work in their science books. Year groups 1 – 4 will be record some Science in floor books which will showcase the children’s practical and oral work. When children are recording work in their science books, it will be the same high quality as seen in other curriculum books across the school including English.
IMPACT
At Haydonleigh our engaging, high-quality science education provides children with the foundations for understanding the world that they can take with them once they complete their primary education. Our aim is that most children will achieve age related expectations in Science at the end of their cohort year.
Formative assessment and retrieval activities are used as the main tool of assessing to allow misconceptions and gaps to be addressed.
At Haydonleigh children will:
- be able to articulate their understanding of scientific concepts and be able to reason scientifically using rich language linked to science.
- retain knowledge that is pertinent to Science with a real life context.
- be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.
- work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment.
- be able to explain the process they have taken and be able to reason scientifically.
- will demonstrate a love of science work and an interest in further study and work in this field
- retain knowledge that is pertinent to Science with a real life context.
- be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.
- demonstrate mathematical skills through their work, organising, recording and interpreting results.
Children at Haydonleigh will be excited and engaged during their Science learning and will see themselves as Scientists investigating the world around them.
Science coverage across the school - click here
Science Roadmaps - click below links to view
Working Scientifically Roadmap
Science Knowledge Organisers - click on the table below to view