Science

INTENT

We want to ensure children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding of key processes in Science through enquiry. This will be developed through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics through the use of first-hand practical experiences as well as some use of appropriate secondary sources, such as books, photographs and videos. This should build a foundation that will encourage children to be excited and curious about natural phenomena. We aim to ensure that all pupils use relevant scientific language to discuss their ideas and communicate their findings in ways that are appropriate for different audiences. This will build their use of specialist technical terminology which is deeply embedded within the curriculum. Our curriculum will equip children with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

IMPLEMENTATION

In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in science, we ensure there is 

• High quality teaching of sequential science knowledge through our practical and engaging curriculum
• Understanding and promoting of key vocabulary to articulate scientific concepts clearly. 
• knowledge organisers enable children to learn and retain the important, useful and powerful vocabulary and knowledge contained within each unit.
• Progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons.
• sequential learning which shows the progression of knowledge. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years through our retrieval practise quizzes which also enable teachers to identify misconceptions that need addressing.
• Stimulating and exciting lessons which are interactive and practical, providing children with opportunities for 'hands on' learning in a safe environment. 
• Use of high quality resources, including our local environment 
• Encouraging curiosity and questioning to develop enquiring minds
• Making links with prior knowledge and the world around us
• Working collaboratively with others

IMPACT

The successful approach at Wembley Primary School results in children acquiring the appropriate age related knowledge linked to the science curriculum as well as developing enquiry skills that will equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to fully understand the world beyond primary school. Assessment at Wembley Primary School is teacher based supported by standardised summative and formative quizzes, which enable teachers to identify and address misconceptions in children's learning.

All children will have:
- A wider variety of skills and retain knowledge that is relevant to Science with a real life context.
- A richer vocabulary which will enable them to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.
- High aspirations, that will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life.

Supporting learning at home

How could you support your child with Science at home?

Enquiry skills are a crucial part of the Science curriculum. Why not try investigate using different enquiry skills?

Fair Testing - observing and exploring relationships between variables or factors. Changing one factor and observing or measuring the effect, whilst keeping other factors the same.
E.g. How does the temperature of water affect the rate at which sugar dissolves? Which paper towel soaks up most water?

Pattern seeking - observing and recording natural phenomena, or carrying out surveys, where variables cannot readily be controlled, and then seeking patterns in the data.
E.g. Do people with longer legs jump higher? Do dandelions in the shade have longer leaves than those in the light? Are some birds more popular than others in your local area?

Classifying and identifying - arranging a range of objects, animals, plants or events into manageable sets, or recognising them as members of particular sets and allocating names to them.
E.g. How can we group these invertebrates? Which things conduct electricity and which do not? What is this substance?

Observing over time - helps us to identify and measure events and changes in living things, materials and physical processes. E.g. Puddles evaporating · Watching a shadow move · Growing plants

Research - is used when the answer is found using secondary sources. There are lots of questions that are impossible or unsafe for children to answer using first-hand experience such as what lives in Antarctica, or how do fireworks work.

E.g. Which birds migrate the furthest? Why do different animals live in different places?

It is important to promote curiosity in Science. If you are interested in supporting your child’s Science education have a look at the following websites:

Kidzone Science Fun

Science Kids

Science for Kids Club

BBC Bitesize KS1

BBC Bitesize KS2

Education Quizzes Science

Oak academy Key Stage 1

Oak academy Key stage 2

Science Curriculum ...