Science 

Science Intent Statement

Our intent is to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding of all children in all areas of Science. We aim to develop the children’s curiosity and enjoyment through practical experiences and equip them with the skills they need to further their scientific minds.

Through #TheSmawthorneExperience, children will become confident scientists through varied opportunities and enriching activities. Our children are encouraged to become independent learners and are given endless opportunities to develop their inquisitive natures. Lessons are enriched further through school visits and visitors, which are carefully selected to develop the children’s thirst for knowledge and to meet the needs of all our pupils.

Progression in knowledge, skills and understanding starts in the Early Years and is built upon in subsequent years. We encourage the children to develop their understanding through the ‘Working Scientifically’ strand of the curriculum by using 5 Scientific Superheroes: Spy Magnus, Supergirl, Commander Classify, Captain Peeko and Billy Bookhead. The children also have opportunities to develop their skills in Maths and English through researching information, recording findings and making predictions.

Science Curriculum Overview - Whole School:

Inspirational Quote:

“Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.”

Stephen Hawking

Aims and Objectives:

Children are constantly intrigued by everything in the world in which they live in. As a result of this, Science makes a valuable contribution to each child’s understanding.

As a school we aim:

·         to develop the natural curiosity of children about the world in which they live;

·         to develop skills in questioning through a range  of interesting and enjoyable experiences;

·         to help all children develop the skills they need to make systematic enquiries;

·         to provide as many opportunities as we can for children to apply skills that they have learned to the solving of practical problems;

·         to enable all children to develop an increasing attention to accuracy;

·         to continue developing positive attitudes towards science and increase pupils’ understanding of how science is used in the wider world;

·         to provide a growing range of relevant experiences to all pupils, allowing them to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding in the key areas of Working Scientifically, Animals including Humans, Plants, Living Things and Their Habitats, States of Matter, Properties and Changes to Materials, Electricity, Forces and Magnets, Light, Sound, Earth and Space through a variety of teaching and learning strategies;

·         to continuously develop the accurate use of scientific vocabulary used by each child;

·         to meet the individual needs of each child so that they will reach their full potential in Science.

·         to create a sense of awe and wonder through the Science topics that are taught in different year groups.

 Teaching and Learning:

We use a variety of teaching and learning styles in science lessons.

Our principal aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills, and understanding, as well as nurture a sense of enjoyment and natural enquiry in the subject. Sometimes we do this through whole-class and small group teaching.

We encourage the children to ask, as well as answer, scientific questions.

They have the opportunity to use a variety of data, such as statistics, graphs, pictures, and photographs. Children use technology in science lessons where it enhances their learning. The children engage in a wide variety of problem-solving activities. Wherever possible, we involve the pupils in practical activities as these increase enthusiasm and motivation and provide first-hand experience.

By taking part in practical activities children are experiencing science first hand and are more likely to retain their learning;

We recognise that children have different scientific abilities in all classes and we ensure that we provide suitable learning opportunities for all children by matching the challenge of the task to the ability of the child.

In the Early Years, children work to the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The section ‘Understanding the World’ involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.  

Science long term plan

Meet our Science Super Hero Squad

As part of our Science curriculum, each classroom has a full set of Science Super Hero Squad posters on display. Each Science Super Hero character represents one of the lines of enquiry of the “Working Scientifically” section of the National Curriculum, which helps the children to become more familiar with each line of enquiry.

What the children have to say:

“I like to do experiments because they are fun.”

“I like testing different things in Science. I liked making the jacket for the ice troll to see which material kept it cold.”

“I liked learning about plants in Science. We grew different plants like sunflowers, to see what plants need to grow.”

“I liked doing work about transparent materials.”

 “I liked it in Science when we were researching different animals that lived in different habitats, on the laptops.” 

 Have a go at the following experiment...