Science
Intent
At Mickley, our aim is to provide an enquiry rich curriculum which inspires pupils to be inquisitive about the world they live in, to nurture curiosity, exploration and wonder. Science teaching involves a range of science investigations and enquiries that help develop a range of skills which are useful across pupils learning. Through building scientific knowledge, concept and skills, children are encouraged to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. We provide opportunities for pupils to explain what is occurring through conceptual models and practical activities that progressively build a deep understanding of the science curriculum and ‘Working Scientifically’.
Rationale
The purpose of science in the National Curriculum is to teach pupils the understanding of the nature, process and methods of science through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. The aims of the National Curriculum are to equip pupils with the scientific knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Implementation
At Mickley First School, science is taught throughout key stage 1 and 2 on a weekly basis. Throughout key stage 1, pupils are taught in whole class settings to work scientifically by asking questions and using simple equipment to carry out tests, gather and record data and make suggest answers to questions. In key stage 2 pupils are provided with opportunities to broaden their scientific view of the world around them and learn to use different types of scientific enquiry to answer questions, set up a range of fair tests, gather and record their findings and use results to make simple conclusions.
We deliver the science curriculum through a skill-focussed approach to teaching that ensures flexible and appropriate challenges within the classroom. This allows pupils to develop a deep progressive learning whilst ‘working and thinking scientifically’ through science models and dual objective planning. Science, where possible, is linked directly to the current topic being taught. By using a topic-based approach, we provide many opportunities for children to develop the five key science skills (These are explaining science, classification designing experiments, data, tables & graphs and making conclusions).
We focus on developing positive attitudes towards science by promoting STEM week and the use of science outdoors including the outdoor classroom, pond area, weather monitoring area and plants growing throughout the school grounds. Pupils are consistently encouraged to explore their questions and curiosities about the world around them through opportunities to explore in practical science experiments and research.
Impact
Assessment of science is on-going and formative in every lesson. Progress in science is monitored termly to ensure all pupils reach their full potential. Pupils at Mickley have a sense of enjoyment through the science curriculum and have opportunities to develop a natural love of science.
Click here to view the full National Curriculum Programme of Study that we follow for science.