Science
Aims
The aim of science teaching is to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. To develop understanding of the nature process and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. To equip children with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. A clear vision for the teaching and learning of science at Tithe Barn has been developed as part of the PSQM journey.
Objectives
- to develop the natural curiosity of children about the world around them;
- to develop questioning and enquiring minds through a range of enjoyable an interesting experiences;
- to help children develop the skills to make systematic enquiries;
- to provide opportunities for children to apply theoretical ideas to the solving of practical problems;
- to enable children to develop an increasing attention to accuracy;
- to foster a positive attitude to science and increase pupils’ understanding of how science is used in the wider world;
- to provide a range of relevant experiences allowing pupils to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding in the key areas of Scientific Enquiry, Life Processes and Living Things, Materials and their Properties, and Physical Processes through a variety of teaching and learning strategies;
- to develop the accurate use of scientific vocabulary;
- to meet the needs of each child so that they will reach their full potential.
- to engender a sense of awe and wonder with Science
HOW SCIENCE IS TAUGHT AT TITHE BARN
Teaching and learning
During Foundation Stage: Children begin to show curiosity about living things, objects and events they observe. They investigate objects and materials by using their senses. They ask questions about why things happen and how they work. The Early Learning Goals are part of ‘understanding the World’
During KS1: the principle focus is to enable children to experience and observe phenomena, looking closely at the natural and human-constructed world around them. They are encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice. They will use different types of scientific enquiry and will begin to use simple scientific language to talk about what they have found out. Most of the learning about science is done through first-hand practical experiences. ]
During lower KS2: children will be given the opportunity to use a variety of scientific enquiry to broaden their scientific view of the world around them. They should ask their own questions about what they observe and make some of their own decisions about which type of scientific enquiry to use, in order to answer them in the best ways. Children should also draw simple conclusions and use some scientific language.
During upper KS2: children will be given the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of a wide range of scientific ideas. They will encounter more abstract ideas and begin to recognise that scientific ideas help them predict and understand how the world operates. They select appropriate ways to answer scientific questions using different types of scientific enquiry. Using the correct vocabulary, children will be able to draw their own conclusions based on data and observations and will use evidence to justify their ideas and explain their findings.
Planning
Science is a core subject in the National Curriculum. We use the national programmes of study as the basis for our curriculum planning in Science. We ensure that there are opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge in each unit, and we plan progression into the scheme of work, so that the children are increasingly challenged as they move through the school.