St Mewan CP School - Science
Intent:
Science teaching at St Mewan CP School aims to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically; to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of science, today and for the future, preparing them for their next steps in education and beyond. The impact of science on the world is exemplified throughout the children’s primary years and highlights and promotes the vast range of aspirational professions and careers which underpin the very fabric of our modern society. How science enriches lives on Earth is a common thread which all children experience – from the impact of litter on animal habitats to solutions to global problems like climate change.
At St Mewan CP School, scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic the children study and these topics are revisited and developed throughout their time at school. The topics, which deliver the National Curriculum’s content, such as plants, are taught in Key Stage One and studied again in further detail throughout Key Stage Two. This model allows children to build upon their prior knowledge and increases their enthusiasm for the topics whilst embedding this procedural knowledge into the long-term memory. New units are introduced by ‘tracking back’ and revisiting prior learning, from previous years, to enable children to consolidate what they already know. This model ensures topics, wherever possible, are ‘knitted together’ to ensure continuity in developing knowledge and understanding.
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. Where possible, local content is exemplified to demonstrate the key role of British scientists and their contribution to the scientific community: for example, Mary Anning’s palaeontology legacy is studied in Year 6. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built-up across the curriculum while effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged. Concepts taught are 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 while promoting critical thinking.
Implementation:
We follow the National Curriculum.
Teachers are provided with a structured, progressive curriculum so that they can plan the implementation of specific learning outcomes. This detailed curriculum includes:
a progression of skills document (including vocabulary) all children must master;
a sequence of lessons for each subject, which carefully plans for progression and depth;
challenge questions for pupils to apply their learning in a philosophical/open manner;
trips and visits from experts who will enhance the learning experience;
The teaching of Science and all related experiences, are fully inclusive and are implemented in a manner which expects appropriate behavioural choices.
Impact:
Our science curriculum is high quality, well thought-out and is planned to demonstrate progression. If children progress with their learning at the prescribed pace, they will make good or better progress. In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:
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a reflection on standards achieved against the planned outcomes;
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a celebration of learning for each term which demonstrates progression across the school;
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pupil discussions about their learning;
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Low-stakes testing – children show good recall of key concepts taught in previous lessons and terms, e.g., low level quiz at the beginning of the lesson, Explorify activities to discuss and draw on previous learning;
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Monitoring of work in books, displays and pupil responses within lessons.
We also measure impact by encouraging our pupils to be passionate about Science; have high values; be willing to be challenged about the subject and challenge others.
