St Wilfrid's C of E Primary School

In Science we aim to provide a practical, broad and balanced curriculum that enables our children to make sense of the world around them through exploration, investigation and discovery. We strive to develop the key scientific knowledge and skills which will prepare our children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world. In addition to increasing children’s knowledge and understanding of the world, they will be able to develop their basic practical skills, including their ability to make accurate and appropriate measurements, record results in a table and draw an appropriate graph or bar chart to help spot patterns and draw conclusions.

Using scientific enquiry skills, children will experience a planned range of investigations and practical activities to give them a greater understanding of the concepts and knowledge of science, alongside a rich range of language and vocabulary. We want our children to develop their enjoyment and interest in science as well as building their curiosity and sense of awe of the natural world around them and an appreciation of science’s contribution to all aspects of everyday life.

Children engage in learning that inspires them to experiment and investigate the world around them and to help them raise their own questions such as "Why...?", "How...?" and "What happens if...?” They develop the skills of enquiry, observation, research, selecting appropriate equipment and using it safely, measuring and checking results, making comparisons and communicating results and findings.

Science begins in EYFS under the curriculum umbrella of ‘Knowledge and Understanding of the World’. Pupils are encouraged to be curious about the world around them, to make early predictions, test their ideas, explore natural resources and collaborate with peers in problem solving situations. This is done through continuous and enhanced provision within the setting.

Weekly Science lessons for Years 1-6 are based on the National Curriculum using the Plan programme as well as additional resources from sources such as Explorify, concept cartoons and others. Lessons follow the same format from Years 1-6. They begin with a ‘Talk’ session to revisit prior learning or explore a scientific puzzle, then they move on to ‘Teach’ which is the main body of teaching for that lesson and conclude with the addressing of any ‘Misconceptions.’

Working scientifically skills are embedded in each area of study that the children focus on. We have 5 types of scientific enquiry which are revisited and developed throughout their time at school:

• Observation over time
• Comparative and fair testing
• Identifying and classifying
• Pattern seeking
• Researching using secondary sources

Children learn to explain the world around them through this scientific enquiry, posing questions that they will unpick and investigate as ‘fair tests’, where appropriate. They analyse their results and form conclusions recognising the importance of evidence. They observe changes over time and look for patterns as well as learning how to identify and classify.

In Early Years and for the first part of Year 1 science is recorded in a class floor book with photos, reflections and work completed by the children. Following that the children move into their own individual science books which showcase their acquisition of knowledge, vocabulary and scientific skills.

The impact of our Science curriculum is that our learners are equipped with the scientific skills and knowledge that will enable then to be ready for the secondary curriculum and for life as an adult in the world outside the classroom. Children will be able to demonstrate their ability to interpret scientific thinking and suggest ways in which they might explore a scientific principle, and will be able to question ideas and reflect on their knowledge, as well as demonstrating their understanding as they draw conclusions following investigations.