The Science Curriculum at Abbotts Ann CE Primary School

Intent

 We believe that a broad and balanced science education is the entitlement of all our pupils at Abbotts Ann Church of England Primary School. Therefore we endeavour to deliver a high-quality science curriculum which provides our pupils with a secure foundation for understanding the world around them. We truly value the role of science in nurturing our pupils’ awareness and respect for nature. Throughout each year at Abbotts Ann, children will explore and observe our school grounds as part of their class nature studies. Through fun, hands-on science enquiries, we promote our pupils’ sense of excitement and inquisitiveness about natural phenomena. We also encourage our pupils to understand, explore and challenge key scientific concepts, including those of renowned scientists as well as their own hypotheses. Whilst investigating these hypotheses, our pupils are supported to acquire practical scientific skills; using scientific language to communicate and record their findings in a variety of ways. We aim to provide Abbotts Ann pupils with a deep, lasting interest in science which will prepare them for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

Implementation

We use a variety of teaching and learning styles in science lessons such as exploration, debate and discussion and practical hands-on investigation. We share the learning intention which is skills based with the pupils by stating it clearly at the beginning of each lesson. Our main aim is to develop children’s scientific skills, knowledge and understanding through challenging, motivating activities that extend the pupils learning. This can be through whole class teaching, small group work, paired work or independent learning. Exploration tables/areas are set up in each classroom as well as a whole school science area in the library to encourage the children to develop their enquiry skills particularly through their longitudinal studies.

KS1 and KS2 -We teach the national curriculum for science.

The long term (annual) plan identifies the science topics to be taught each term to each year group. The medium term plans identify the science objectives for the block of work for that term. Science skills are taught continually and are identified in teachers’ short term planning.

Foundation Stage  - We teach science through Knowledge of the World (Foundation Stage Curriculum). The emphasis is on practical sessions, exploring the outdoor environment as well as what can be taught in the classroom.

The planning is monitored by the Science subject leader to ensure curriculum coverage and an emphasis on practical exploration and investigation.

Impact

We assess and measure impact by:

• Talking to the pupils and asking questions
• Discussing the work with the pupil
• Looking at the work and marking against the learning objective
• Observing the pupils carrying out practical tasks
• Pupils self-evaluation of their work

We monitor the pupils’ progress in skills by carrying out a range of assessments. We plan for further development based upon what we have observed. In Years 1-6,  a Science assessment sheet is completed at the end of each unit of work and this is compiled by the science leader. At the end of an academic year, the science assessment for each year group is passed onto the next class teacher. 

At the end of Foundation stage the children are assessed against the progress descriptors in their Foundation Stage Profile. At the end of KS1 the children are assessed using teacher assessments.  

 Children are ready for the next stage of their education and build on prior understanding.