“Science is a doorway to curiosity and discovery that can last a lifetime.”

Science is led by Mrs Rew

We tell the children that Science lessons develop their Scientific ideas and understanding to help them to explore and investigate their world.

Science Intent

At Nursteed School, it is our intention to provide a high quality Science curriculum that provides children with the foundations they need to recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. Our curriculum enables children to become enquiry based learners collaborating through researching, investigating and evaluating experiences. It will encourage respect for living organisms and for the physical environment. Teachers will ensure that all children are exposed to high quality teaching and learning experiences. These will hook the children’s interest, enabling them to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They will be encouraged to ask questions about the world around them and work scientifically to further their conceptual understanding and scientific knowledge. Children will be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. It will provide opportunities for the critical evaluation of evidence and rational explanation of scientific phenomena as well as opportunity to apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science, including collecting, presenting and analysing data. Children will be immersed in key scientific vocabulary, which supports in the acquisition of scientific knowledge and understanding. All children will be provided with a broad and balanced science curriculum which reflects the equality and diversity policies and practice in school.

Science Implementation

At Nursteed School, we use a practical and inquiry-based approach to science. Wherever possible, science is taught through practical and hands on activities with children enjoying learning through exploration and questioning; they have the opportunity to use good quality resources and ‘real’ science equipment. Each lesson should have some practical element, whether as a game, demonstration, investigation or challenge.  

In EYFS, Science is taught through play and exploration of the world around us.  It is heavily based on storytelling and role-play as well as hands on practical activities. All children are given the opportunity to carry out more formal investigations every year.  In KS1, investigations are planned by the teachers, but carried out by the children.  By the time they reach UKS2, these investigations are modelled by teachers but planned by children.

All teaching follows the National Curriculum for Science and Early Years Framework.  Teaching ensures that progression is made from previous learning through ‘flashback’ at the start of lessons so children can make links and deepen their understanding of the area of the curriculum being taught.  

 

Science Impact

The successful approach to the teaching of science at Nursteed School will result in a fun, engaging, high quality science education that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world that they can take with them once they complete their primary education. Assessment at Nursteed School is teacher based and formed using a range of strategies (e.g. post unit quizzes) and informal strategies (reflection tasks). Formative assessment is used for assessing the impact of Science at Nursteed School as it allows for misconceptions and gaps to be addressed more immediately rather than building on insecure scientific foundations.

SMSC in Science

Spiritual 

Children look for meaning and purpose in natural and physical phenomena. They develop an awareness of the scale of living things from the smallest micro-organism to the largest. Children develop an emotional drive to know more and wonder about the world, the vastness of space and the beauty of natural objects

Moral 

Children develop an increasing curiosity and an open-minded approach to the suggestions of others. They consider the environment and that scientific developments may give rise to moral dilemmas

Social - Children undertake practical work in groups and develop team working skills. They learn to take responsibility for their own and others safety. Children understand that science has a major effect on the quality of our lives. They consider the benefits of scientific developments and the social responsibility involved.

Cultural 

Children learn about scientific discoveries about part of our culture and the culture of others. They learn about the wide range of men and women from a range of cultures who have made scientific discoveries.

British Values:

Democracy, The Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Science supports children to build their understanding of British Values by teaching children to take into consideration the views and opinions of others. The children take turns and follow instructions from others. They learn and understand the importance of following safety rules when working scientifically. Science lessons help children to understand the consequences of their actions, which in turn helps them to apply this understanding to their own lives.They learn to confidently share their own opinions and ideas and respect the opinions of others. Within lessons pupils are encouraged to make their own choices when planning an investigation and recognise that others may have different points of view. When learning and investigating during Science lessons children work as a team, supporting each other and sharing ideas and opinions. They discuss findings and respect each other’s work - through this children are encouraged to offer support and advice to others. Through lessons and discussion children look at scientific discoveries which have come from other cultures and how religious beliefs often compete with scientific understanding. They learn to be respectful of these beliefs and to appreciate and understand them.