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 inquisitive nature and enjoyment through practical experiences and investigations. Through the #SmawthorneExperience, children become confident Scientists through varied opportunities and enriching activities.  Progression in knowledge, skills and understanding starts in Early Years and is built upon through high quality and engaging lessons. Each year group builds upon the previous year group’s curriculum to develop children’s knowledge. 

Our children are encouraged to become independent learners through their weekly Science lessons. They are given opportunities to develop their inquisitive skills and Scientific knowledge through the different areas of the Science curriculum. This is done through researching information in books or on the internet, recording scientific investigations and findings and using their Maths skills when recording any results or predictions from investigations or from reading scales when measuring. 

Our Science curriculum is enriched through school visits and visitors which creates opportunities for children to remember their lifelong learning experiences.  

As part of our #SmawthorneExperience, we take part in the annual British Science Week. Each class plans an investigation based on the British Science Week theme. We have strong links with the Science department at Castleford Academy and we are invited annually to take part in Science investigations during British Science Week; this experience adds to our children’s lifelong learning.  

Through the #SmawthorneExperience, we aim to nurture our future Scientists and equip them with the knowledge and skills that they will need to further their scientific minds.

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 National Curriculum Programme of Study: