Science
Intent
At Altofts Junior School, we aim to develop children's scientific knowledge and understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, for now and the future.
We aim to ensure that 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 scientific 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.
Our ‘Principles for Science’ summarise our intent:
- We promote a deeper thinking in science alongside a fluent use of of scientific language
- We give a real life context to all topics to motivate our pupils to be skilled, life-long learners in a rapidly changing world
- We embrace a culture of curiosity where children are confident explorers in an enquiry based curriculum
Our children will also be encouraged to link their learning to real life experiences, see that science is all around us, apply their knowledge to explore and explain, take risks by having no fear of failure, be inquisitive investigators and question and challenge their findings.
Implementation
The ‘Intent’ will be delivered through a carefully structured curriculum that meets the full and statutory guidance of the 2014 National Curriculum. There is a clear sequence of learning which has been mapped out for the full year.
Class teachers have been provided with the medium term knowledge plans, knowledge organisers and key vocabulary. As our curriculum continues to evolve, class teachers have also been guided towards appropriate resources that they may use to plan effective lessons. In addition to this, they are beginning to adapt knowledge organisers to reflect current teaching and learning as well as making them more appealing to children. Specific knowledge and vocabulary has been mapped out so that children build upon prior learning appropriately.
Pupils have frequent opportunities to develop their skills in, and take responsibility for, planning investigative work, selecting relevant resources, making decisions about sources of information, carrying out activities safely and deciding on the best form of communicating their findings. Scientific skills have been mapped out for each unit so that children build systematically on the skills they acquire.
Impact
The successful approach to the teaching of science at Altofts Junior School will result in a fun, engaging, high quality science education that provides children with an understanding of the world that they can take with them once they complete their primary education.
Outcomes in Science Books are evidenced in a variety of ways, demonstrating children’s acquisition of key knowledge and vocabulary as well as the scientific skills explored. Children are also aware of the scientific skills they are acquiring through the use of the ‘TAPS Wheel’ which is available in children’s books so that they can identify the skills they are developing.
Assessment in Science is evolving. Teachers identify children who either missed a lesson or those who may need repetition of a specific objective in order to give the children the best chance to acquire the knowledge and skills they need for future learning.
The impact of our science curriculum is monitored through discussions with staff and pupils, by monitoring Science books and through lesson observations/coaching sessions in order to provide an understanding of the quality of the science curriculum as well highlighting areas for further development.
Knowledge Organisers
Year 3