Science

Science Intent 

Science is a core subject of the curriculum and we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. Scientific learning increases pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and instigates a process of enquiry. Science develops natural curiosity, encourages respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provides opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence. Our pupils are taught the essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• 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
• are 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, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts.

Science Enrichment

Children have weekly lessons in Science throughout KS1 and KS2, using various programmes of study and resources. In the EYFS, Science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as STEM Week, WOW Day workshops in school, themed assemblies, guest speakers and educational visits linked to the science curriculum, such as visits to the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Transport Museum, Kew Gardens, Horniman Museum, Greenwich Observatory and Wisley Gardens. We aim that our curriculum gives children the confidence and motivation to further develop their science skills into the next stage of their education.

Science Implementation

Science at Garfield is supported by Kapow Science plans, ensuring a well-structured approach and a systematic progression of skills. Teachers create a positive attitude to science in class and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. 

Our whole school approach is this:

• Science is taught weekly and sometimes through longer blocks of time, to facilitate the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge.
• Curiosity is celebrated within the classroom - children are encouraged to ask questions and are given opportunities to use skills and research to discover answers. 
• Teachers create engaging lessons adapted from Kapow, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. 
• Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify gaps in learning, so all children keep up.
• The progression of skills means we build on the learning of previous years. As knowledge and understanding increases, and pupils become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
• Working Scientifically skills are embedded in lessons to ensure skill development and new vocabulary, and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. 
• Types of scientific enquiry undertaken each year include: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources. Pupils seek answers to questions through collecting, analysing and presenting data. 
• Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning.

Science Vital Vocab and Knowledge Organisers

At Garfield Primary, Science is taught with the help of Vital Vocab and Knowledge Organisers (KOs) that outline the essential vocabulary and knowledge covered in half-termly topics. These are shared in Google Classrooms before topics are taught, with the aim that everyone knows ahead of time what will be taught and what children need to learn. Vital Vocab and KOs are designed to be used at school and at home, parents can help children learn the information within them. Lessons expand on the powerful knowledge in Organisers, enabling children to thoroughly understand concepts and to apply that knowledge, offer informed explanations, make links and spot patterns.

Science Impact

We want children to become confident and successful Scientists, with understanding of what the subject will bring to their lives and scientific links within their local and wider community. Our approach results in a fun and engaging science education that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. Engagement with the local environment ensures children learn through varied and first hand experiences of the world around them. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, children understand that science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of community links, parent talks in Careers Week and connection with the STEM association. Pupil voice is used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning pupil’s views and attitudes, to support science enjoyment and motivate learners. 

By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes in their programme of study. Children in the EYFS are assessed within Understanding the World and progress is tracked termly. Age related expectations are reported to parents at the end of Reception. In KS1 and KS2, assessment takes place throughout the year and at the ends of topics. Teachers record progress in Science against National Curriculum expectations for each year group. Teachers use this information to inform future lessons, ensuring children are supported and challenged appropriately. Assessment data is analysed to inform and address any trends or gaps in attainment. Further information is gathered through pupil voice activities, highlighting strengths and achievements and any recommendations for improvements, knowledge and skills that need to be embedded. Each part of the Science curriculum is reviewed termly by the subject leader.