Vision

At Lynsted, we agree with Albert Einstein when he said: “The important thing is to never stop questioning.” We strive to provide an engaging Science curriculum which encourages and enables our children to explore and discover the world around them, sparking their curiosity so that they develop a deeper understanding of our world and beyond. All children will leave Lynsted equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Intent

At Lynsted it is our aim that all children gain the knowledge and understanding for them to have a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them. Science in our school will harness the natural curiosity of children, promote respect for living organisms and the natural environment and ensure that our children will acquire scientific knowledge, becoming more knowledgeable and independent learners as they move through each year group. The curriculum is designed to ensure that children are able to acquire key scientific knowledge through practical experiences, using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently.

At Lynsted, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:

• engage with scientific investigation and enquiry

• ask questions and appreciate the impact of science on themselves and the world

• explore and understand the world around them

• become creative problem solvers through observation, investigation and experimentation

• use a range of methods to communicate scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T, diagrams, graphs and charts

• develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.

Implementation

The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our Science lessons. The Kent Primary Science scheme of learning provides the structure of knowledge development with scientific skills linked to each unit of work. The plans were developed to address the requirements for the Primary Science curriculum and to ensure the children are engaged and enjoy their learning.

At Lynsted, the Kent Science scheme of learning has been incorporated into a three-year rolling cycle and has been linked to topics where possible. The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons. Teachers create a positive attitude to Science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving high standards in Science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of Science involves the following:

• Beginning each unit with a learning enquiry question

• Key vocabulary is explicitly taught to ensure children can access the language and scientific concepts

• Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various working scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding

• Practical lessons are planned where possible. Teachers excite our children through engaging practical lessons, visits and explorations of the school grounds and local area

• STEM opportunities are provided for children to enrich children’s learning and curiosity further and to make links with Science in the real world so they understand the role it plays in our communities and the world

• Proof of Progress questions are used to assess pupils’ understanding of each unit.

Impact

Children at Lynsted love Science and because of this they know more, remember more and understand more about the curriculum. Our progressive curriculum ensures the children retain prior-learning and make connections between what they have previously learned and what they are currently learning. Through our engaging practical lessons, children remember more. We always ensure that there are opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge. Children at Lynsted will take part in a ‘STEM week’ each year, which will see activities linked to Science, Maths, Computing, Design Technology and Engineering.

Opportunities to explore, question and investigate ensure that all children make excellent progress in Science. The children are able to present their findings and investigations in a range of ways so that all abilities are able to succeed. Every class has an allocated Science working wall, which includes vocabulary relevant to the current topic and displays the current learning expectations. This can be used when the children are responding to marking and moving their learning on.

Scheme

We follow the Kent Primary Scheme of Learning for Science. The scheme was originally written by Andrew Berry and has made a profound impact on primary Science education nationwide. It was developed as a direct result of requests by primary teachers wanting to have more ideas as to how to address the requirements for Science in the new Primary Curriculum (2014). The new iteration has been updated by the Education People primary school improvement experts to align with the latest curriculum and current Education Inspection Framework, providing an effective tool for educators to deliver high-quality Science education, and bring Science to life for learners.

The scheme ensures coverage of the curriculum as well as ensuring that children will be engaged and enjoy their learning. There is clear advice for teachers which includes: learning expectations, suggestions for engaging activities, resources required, key vocabulary, background knowledge needed, links to significant people, quizzes to recap prior learning, methods to hook children into their learning and examples of how children can work scientifically. Children will have the opportunity to record their findings in a variety of ways to ensure that all can succeed and gain the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.

SMSC & Cultural Capital

Science supports spiritual development by providing many opportunities for children to think and spend time reflecting on the amazing wonders which occur in our natural world. Children will have the chance to look for meaning and purpose in natural and physical phenomena. They will have the emotional drive to know more and to wonder about the world, e.g. what is special about life and the vastness of space and the beauty of natural objects.

Science supports moral development by showing children that different opinions need to be respected and valued. There are many moral and ethical issues that we cover in science including discussions about environmental and human issues.

When undertaking experiments and research children work collaboratively, supporting social development. It teaches them about taking responsibility for their own and other people’s safety. The children will understand that Science has a major effect on the quality of our lives. Science communities have led to amazing and life changing breakthroughs.

Through the Primary Science scheme, pupils will build cultural capital by learning about scientists from the past and present; this will also introduce them to possible careers in the field. It also helps children to understand how important science is to the economy and culture of the UK as well as highlighting environmental issues.

Inclusion

We always ensure that there are opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge. Revisiting prior learning and carrying out retrieval practice is an important aspect of learning and will support pupils to commit their knowledge to their long-term memory.

The children will be given the opportunity to record in a variety of different ways. The children are given the opportunity to draw pictures and diagrams to explain their findings and understanding. Teachers will use pupil voice, where necessary, to assess understanding so that there is not always a focus on written work. 

Assessment

Science is assessed termly and harvested 3x per year. Both scientific skills and knowledge are assessed and this includes: scientific enquiry, conceptual understanding, nature, processes and methods of science and the spoken language. Using the unit assessment, the children are identified as working towards, expected and greater depth. Assessment in Science is purposeful and ensures that it informs future planning including vocabulary, pre-teaching and working walls.