Science at All Saints

Intent

At All Saints Primary, we believe that Science is a body of knowledge built up through the experimental testing of ideas and systematic investigation. It is about providing opportunities for pupils to be able to explore and make sense of the world around them, while also equipping them with a wealth of skills-based processes.

Science is one of the core subjects in the National Curriculum, which aims to ensure that all pupils:

• To develop pupil’s enjoyment and engagement in Science and an appreciation of the increasingly scientific and technological world they are growing up in.
• To develop lively, enquiring minds with an ability to question.
• To introduce pupils to the language and vocabulary of Science.
• To enable pupils to develop a knowledge of appropriate scientific facts and to develop basic concepts.
• To develop pupils’ practical skills and their ability to make accurate measurements.
• To encourage open mindedness so children interpret their findings critically and do not always expect ‘the right answer.’

Implementation

The teaching of Science at All Saints Primary involves adapting and extending the curriculum to match all pupils’ needs. Where possible, Science will be linked to class topics but will also be taught as discrete units, to ensure coverage.

Due to the mixed year groups in our school structure, Science units are taught on a two-year rolling programme, with the exception of Y1 and Y2 who are taught through differentiated tasks. This ensures progression between year groups and guarantees all topics are covered.

Activities are planned to allow pupils to develop key knowledge, concepts and skills and to progress according to their ability. Activities within classes are matched to specific ability groups. Opportunities are planned for open investigations that allow differentiation by outcome. Pupils are presented with a range of activities.

Recording in Science

The way in which Science is recorded will vary across the school depending on age and ability. Teachers ensure that a range of appropriate methods are used. These may include:

• Written accounts including: instructions, reports and explanations;
• Diagrams, drawings and pictures;
• Annotated diagrams;
• Spreadsheets (data collection);
• Charts, graphs and tables;
• Model making.

Although most Science will follow a pattern of ‘Question, Prediction, Method, Results, Evaluate’, it is important to remember that the most valuable time is spent engaging in practical Science which allows children to understand a concept, rather than recording it.

This successful approach at All Saints results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first-hand experiences of the world around them. Frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom is embedded throughout the science curriculum. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts and local charities, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science and are exposed to a range of different scientists from various backgrounds; all children feel they are scientists and capable of achieving.

Science Overview

Year 3 and 4

Class 3 (Year 5 and 6)