Whitings Hill Primary School

Science

‘‘A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics’

National Curriculum 2014 

INTENT

In conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum our science teaching offers opportunities for pupils to:

 

  • To be inquisitive, resilient and independent throughout their time at the school and beyond.

  • 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 science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.

  • Make sense of the world around them, relating them to their everyday lives.

  • Be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

  • Develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.

  • Use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner.

  • Develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery through providing a rich and well-balanced science curriculum which is linked, where possible, to the themed topics.

 

IMPLEMENTATION

At Whitings Hill teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. To help structure and enhance science lessons, teachers use variety of teaching and learning platforms such as Tigtag World, Explorify, STEM and Deepening Understanding.

 

  • Leaders have identified the key knowledge and skills of each unit and these are mapped across the school, ensuring that knowledge builds progressively and that children develop skills systematically.

  • The school has taken part in PSQM programme to raise the profile and quality of teaching and learning in science.

  • Existing knowledge is checked at the beginning of each unit. This ensures that teaching is informed by the children’s starting points and that it takes account of pupil voice, incorporating children’s interests.

  • Tasks are selected and designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.

  • At the end of each unit, key knowledge is reviewed by the children and rigorously checked by the teacher and consolidated as necessary.

  • The science provision is well resourced to support effective teaching and learning.

  • We take account of the school’s own context when planning so the lessons are meaningful and related to children’s own real life experiences.

 

IMPACT

  • Children become successful learners in science and are ready for the next stages of their life.

  • Chidren’s views and attitudes to science are positive.

  • They appreciate new surrounding and the awe of the natural world.

  • Children know more and remember more in Science and this is reflected through their learning and assessments.

  • All children achieve exceptionally well (including disadvantaged and SEN).

  • All pupils thoroughly enjoy learning about science at our school and therefore are encouraged to undertake new life experiences now and in the future.

    WHS Science Vision and Principles