“The important thing is to never stop questioning.”
 Albert Einstein

 

INTENT

At Barnburgh, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in primary curriculum, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires.

The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

All children are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations, as well as being encouraged to question the world around them and become independent learners in exploring possible answers for their scientific based questions. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built up, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged. Concepts taught should be reinforced by focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions.

COURAGE

• To have the courage to explore and innovate using Science knowledge and understanding.
• To investigate and be experimental.

PERSEVERANCE

• To develop the ability to stick with something, to continue working, to try harder, to not give up.
• To understand that the perseverance and dedication is needed to work successfully in science.

AMBITION

• To do their best work and then to push themselves beyond what they consider to be their best. 
• To develop a desire to achieve something.

RESPECT

• To respect the ambition and work from their peers.
• To respect equipment used in Science.

INDEPENDENCE

• To develop young scientists who understand science plays a crucial role in our world.
• To develop children who are confident young scientists, keen to question further and develop their understanding.
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BEYOND THE SUBJECT

We want our Science curriculum to help children to;

• Think creatively and inquisitively in all aspects of their life
• See the world from different perspectives
• Increase their empathy
• Observe and look closer at the world around them
• See scientific connections in the world

 

IMPLEMENTATION

To ensure high standards of the teaching and learning in science, Barnburgh Primary Academy implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the setting. Planning for science is a process in which all teachers ensure that the Academy gives full coverage of ‘The 2014 National Curriculum’ programmes of study, for Science and Understanding of the World in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Wherever possible, Science is linked to class topics. At the start of each topic, teachers take time to find out what our children already understand and want to find out. Our teachers use this to adapt and extend the curriculum to match children’s interests and needs, current events, the use of any support staff and the resources available. We include the use of technology, wherever appropriate, to aid teaching and learning. Through teacher modelling and planned questioning, we want our children to wonder about and be amazed and surprised by the world around them, as we know every child has different experiences. Key scientific language is modelled throughout lessons enabling our children to be familiar with and use vocabulary accurately.

Teachers are also encouraged to plan in trips and visitors to enhance our children’s learning experience.

At Barnburgh Primary Academy we strive to promote children’s independence and for all children to take responsibility in their own learning. Each of our young scientists has their own Science book, where their learning is recorded in a variety of forms.

 

 

IMPACT

The successful approach at Barnburgh results in a fun, engaging, high-quality Science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that our young scientists learn through varied and first-hand experiences of the world around them. So much of Science lends itself to outdoor learning and so we provide children with opportunities to experience this. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts and local charities, children have the understanding that Science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children learn the possibilities for careers in Science, as a result of our connection with national agencies such as the STEM association. Pupil voice is used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning of pupil’s views and attitudes to Science to support the children’s enjoyment of science and to motivate learners. Examples of our Scientists’ work can be seen in our classrooms.

 

Please find the science progression document below. This is a working document.