Subject Leader: Mrs Hannon

Subject Role

The National Curriculum (2014) sees science education as providing the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity and, as such, pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Pupils should be encouraged to understand how science can explain what is going on around them, to recognise the power of rational explanation and to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. 

Science at Caedmon

Science at Caedmon enables children to begin to make sense of the world by providing explanations for what is occurring around them, as well as broadening their understanding of what science is, its implications, how it can be used to ensure the future of the planet and the people on it, and the career opportunities available for those who study it. 

Intent

Through an investigative approach, science at Caedmon Primary nurtures pupils’ natural curiosity, promotes independent research – with appropriate scaffolding to ensure every learner can participate – and provides the tools to think and work scientifically. ‘Working scientifically’ includes collecting, presenting and analysing data, making predictions, formulating hypotheses and using a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions using technical vocabulary.

Children leave Caedmon Primary as motivated, inquisitive learners, with a range of practical skills and the confidence to ask questions about the world around them. Children leave Caedmon viewing science as an engaging and interesting subject that fosters a deep understanding of the world and broadens their aspirations, whilst challenging stereotypes about gender and STEM. 

Science at Caedmon also aims to make the subject fun and engaging. Pupils at Caedmon enjoy practical investigations, which they experience on a regular basis. They love the range of resources available to them, e.g. electrical circuits, rocks and fossils, alongside school trips to museums, and the local area, to supplement their learning. Pupils also aware of a range of careers open to those who study science.

Implementation

Science at Caedmon is taught through an investigation-based approach, it allows children to reinforce skills in a practical and problem solving manner. It allows children to make links between science and other subjects.   

Children at Caedmon are provided with opportunities to ask questions and then use enquiry-based approaches to find out and discover answers for themselves. Lessons are engaging and practical to allow all children to access learning at a level appropriate for their age and ability.

Within science lessons children are provided with opportunities to build upon prior knowledge and scientific skills learnt in previous years. The use of scientific equipment develops throughout each year, with children becoming more independent and confident when using it to test scientific theories. Working scientifically is a key focus embedded within lessons; these skills ensure children become scientists and are motivated and have a positive attitude towards any learning completed in science.

Science is taught through a range of means from practical lessons, STEM days, visits and workshops. This provides children with real life experiences and opportunities to learn about a range of careers that can be undertaken in science.

At Caedmon teachers use a range of questioning and other methods, to assess children regularly to support children and to identify any gaps within learning. Tasks are planned to support all children through appropriate challenge and are in line with the school’s approach to inclusion. 

Impact

The impact of our approach at Caedmon is that children enjoy science. They are eager and excited about the world around them and develop a natural curiosity through the explorative and first hand experiences they undertake. Children develop an understanding of how science has changed our lives and how it continues to do so. They have an awareness of a range of potential careers that are underpinned by a sound scientific knowledge.

At Caedmon, children develop an extensive scientific vocabulary, which they can use to explain and make sense of scientific concepts. Children acquire investigative skills, which allow them to find out and explore things for themselves. Thus resulting in children who want to enquire and discover, have a love of learning and want to achieve and be successful within science in later life.

Teachers assess children through observations, written work, practical experiments and verbal discussions; these allow for an in depth assessment of pupils scientific knowledge. Pupil focus groups, with children across school, ensure pupil voice is heard. Cluster meetings with other schools also support the development of science within school. These inform future areas for improvement and the impact of new initiatives in school.