Skip to content ↓

Science

Science

Intent

At South Avenue, our curriculum is designed with the intent that each child becomes an ambitious, encouraging and resilient young person with a passion for learning and achieving.

From EYFS up to the end of KS2 our pupils will build up a body of key foundational knowledge and skills in core science areas. Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Work scientifically, applying their knowledge of science through asking questions and conducting research, setting up tests, observing, recording data and evaluating their results;
  • recognise the power of enquiry;
  • develop rational explanations;
  • develop a sense of excitement and curiosity while using key skills from Reading, Writing and Mathematics to explore scientific phenomena.

For further information on Science in the National Curriculum, follow this link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-science-programmes-of-study/national-curriculum-in-england-science-programmes-of-study

 

Implementation

  • Our school uses Pearson’s Science Bug as the starting point for the planning of Science lessons. Planning is adapted as appropriate to meet the needs of learners within our school.
  • Our units have been carefully mapped out in long term planning.
  • In order to inform our CPD, staff surveys are completed to gain an understanding of current views on the planning, teaching, marking and assessment in Science.
  • Through our links with Fulston Manor, we are able to draw upon the expertise and resources available in a secondary school setting and teachers have delivered workshops to our Year 6 children.

Impact

  • In addition to routine use of formative assessment during lessons, we have started to use Science Bug materials to make more formal assessments.
  • We aim to offer immediate feedback in lessons, to help develop understanding of scientific concepts and address misconceptions.
  • Green pen is used to highlight good examples of both scientific knowledge and where children have demonstrated skills when working scientifically. Where appropriate, pink highlighting/ pen work may be used for corrections requiring a response, where a misconception has occurred, or the objective has not been understood. 
  • Science is planned to build on prior learning and, where possible, these links are made within lessons.
  • We ensure that there are opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge.
  • We make use of year group expectations to ensure that children are increasingly challenged as they move up through the school.
  • The use of our extensive school grounds is actively encouraged as part of Science lessons.
  • Each class has an allocated Science display, which includes vocabulary relevant to the current topic and showcases examples of children’s work.  
  • Pupil voice is used to gain an understanding of how our children view Science. This occurs through pupil conferencing, questionnaires and routine conversations with pupils during lessons.
  • Science is monitored in the same way as other subjects, to ensure coverage, progression and challenge for our pupils.