At Witherley CE School science is an important and valued subject because it is highly relevant; an integral part of daily life, from cooking and checking the weather, to recycling and nature walks. We understand the importance of teaching children about the world in which they love in order to equip them for life beyond the classroom and as global citizens. Science links directly to practical thinking and experiences and can engage learners on many different levels. It stimulates a child's curiosity to find out why things happen as they do. It teaches methods of enquiry and investigation. Children learn to ask scientific questions and develop an understanding of the world around them.

The development of scientific skills and knowledge prepares our children for life in a technological world where they can question and discuss science based issues that may affect their lives, society and the future of the world.

Advances in science are continuing to transform our world at lightning speed and we need to do our best to prepare our pupils for a future we can only imagine.

Through science, our lives are changed for the better. We believe all pupils should be taught about the role that science plays in positive advancements, as well as scientific knowledge, methods and processes.

"The science of today is the technology of tomorrow." ~ Edward Teller.

Intent

Through the teaching of our science curriculum we are enabling children to:

• develop an everyday application of scientific knowledge in the world around them.
• develop a respect for all living thing, the environment and an understanding of their interdependence.
• learn skills, knowledge, understanding and key vocabulary through a scientific attitude to the solving of problems.
• develop the skills of experimenting, devising and carrying out investigations and testing hypotheses through fair testing.
• communicate and record information following practical observations.
• confidently and safely use a range of scientific equipment.
• use computing skills to collect, display and analyse data.
• make predictions and suggest explanations based on an understanding of the world around them and scientific knowledge.
• develop the ability to understand and interpret scientific information presented in a variety of different formats.

Implementation

When is Science taught?

Science is taught through thematic units. The attached overview maps out which thematic units feature this subject and the Long-Term Plans clearly shows the National Curriculum objectives taught.

How is Science taught?

Science is taught through working scientifically (involving practical investigation, observation and application skills, enquiry and research) alongside specific taught subject knowledge. Learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom.

What do we learn about in Science?

‘Learning Means the World’ Curriculum

We learn about:-

Plants
Animals, including humans
Materials
Seasonal changes
Living things and their habitats
Light and heat
Forces and magnets
Sound
Electricity
Earth and space
Evolution and inheritance
Movement
 

Foundation Stage

In the Foundation Stage science is taught as an integral part of the Learning Means the World themes during the year. The area of learning covered by science within the Foundation Stage is called Knowledge and Understanding of the World, The Early Learning Goals that are specific to science are:

• Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants.
• Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class.
• Understand some important processes and changes in the natural world around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter.

Science in Pathfinders (Year 1/2)

What do we have to say?

"I like science because it is good to look at different things and how to things work"

 Henry (Year 1)

"In science we get to do lots of work with our friends and it is nice to work with different people and talk to them if we have different ideas about things."

 Perdita (Year 1)

"I like doing the experiments in science and making a prediction about what will happen like when we did the experiment with the ice my prediction was wrong but it didn't matter"

Bradley (Year 2)

"I like looking the animals in science and about what they eat. Herbivores are my favourite!"

Erin (Year 2)

Impact

The impact of our science curriculum is to ensure children not only acquire the appropriate age related knowledge, but also skills which equip them to progress from their starting points, and within their everyday lives. 

All children will have:

• A wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry/investigative skills.
• A richer vocabulary which will enable to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.
• High aspirations, which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life.