Science

Aims

• Science leads pupils on a journey of discovery, as they link isolated facts to
  form a coherent narrative about the natural world.
• Science nurtures pupils’ natural curiosity and helps develop inquiring minds.
• The study of science helps pupils acquire knowledge and conceptual understanding to solve problems and make informed decisions.
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Why is Science important?
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. 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. 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.

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 Plan clearly shows the 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?
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

How do we assess and monitor Science?

Assessment is an ongoing process in the classroom as teachers observe pupils’ oral and written responses. Opportunities for assessment exist in medium term plans and are built into all activities. When a new unit is introduced, the title and supporting materials are displayed to a class. Pupils use their existing knowledge to summarise what they already know about the topic and consider what will be taught. At the end of a unit pupils are encouraged to reflect on their learning against unit knowledge ladders. As a class, a theme review sheet will be completed.

The learning objectives and outcomes within each lesson offer teachers opportunities for checking progress. Consistency of judgment is ensured by using skills ladders and advice by the curriculum coordinators.

We use Kahoot quizzes to assess the retention of core knowledge within each theme.  Each and every cross-curricular theme we teach has accompanying subject-specific Kahoot quizzes to assess core knowledge.  Children love them as they fun, interactive and competitive!  We are able to repeat quizzes throughout the year, giving opportunity for children to recall and revise knowledge from previous themes and even previous year groups.  Kahoot provides teachers with detailed reports broken down by child and by question, so that planning can be adapted and opportunities provided to address gaps in knowledge.  The Kahoot quiz links are shared on the class website pages and emailed home to parents, providing further opportunity for practice.

We use a system called 'TrackZone' for teachers to make summative assessments against objectives taught within each theme. This provides the curriculum leads with useful information at class and whole-school level, allowing them to monitor patterns and trends and to provide support & challenge.

Parents are informed of curriculum coverage via the school website and the progress achieved by their child in the end of year report.