Implementation
Our classroom learning environments are consistent in having the Science key vision and principles clearly displayed alongside key facts and vocabulary, this is further explained to increase the children’s understanding and is changed whenever a new unit of work takes place. At the beginning of a topic, concept maps with key questions to establish a platform to build upon are completed. This is then reviewed at the end of the topic to show the progression in learning. In the wider school community science club and science focused assemblies regularly take place along with there being a science ambassador in every class allows a continued exposure to the subject and through specific hooks gains children’s interest.
It is vital for children to acquire key scientific knowledge and vocabulary progression of skills through each unit and every lesson has a clear focus. Scientific knowledge and enquiry skills are developed with increasing depth and challenge as children move through the year groups with the opportunity to answer, discuss and address any misconceptions. Children complete investigations and hands-on activities while gaining the scientific knowledge for each unit. Children are given the opportunity to regularly review and evaluate their own understanding. Throughout the school activities and investigations are effectively differentiated, with appropriate adult support in place so that all children are adequately challenged and supported.
Across the year groups, teachers have an increased understanding so work is taught at an age appropriate standard with opportunities planned in for pupils exploring learning objectives in greater depth. Attainment and progress can be measured across the school using our assessment spreadsheets, which is updated by teachers after every block of learning. The impact of using the full range of resources included in the science unit will also be seen across the school with an increase in the profile of science.
As children progress through the year groups, they build on their skills in working scientifically, as well as on their scientific knowledge, as they develop greater independence in planning and carrying out fair and comparative tests to answer a range of scientific questions. Children will learn about a different scientist each month with the objective to focus on different ethnicities, backgrounds and genders to grab children’s curiosity and teach them that science can be found everywhere.