Science

Intent

At Writtle Infant School our Science curriculum encourages all children to be scientists. Every child is given a broad and balanced curriculum which enables them to explore the world around them, creating a deeper understanding of the world they live in. We use the National Curriculum aims and teach these through hands-on and practical lessons. We ensure that the lessons are engaging as we want children to develop a love for science. These lessons encourage curiosity and questioning. The children are able to use correct scientific vocabulary for each topic and have a good recall of subject-specific vocabulary. Some of the school trips completed within each year group also focus on the Science aims of the Early Years and National Curriculum.

Part of our curriculum involves Forest School. Every child in the school has the opportunity to participate in Forest School lessons, which are attended weekly for up to 3 half terms over the course of the school year. During these sessions, many of these skills are repeated and spoken about which allows the opportunity for additional scientific learning. For example, naming multiple types of trees and having an opportunity to look after local wildlife by looking after the forest school area and the school pond.

We want to ensure that our science teaching brings together our diverse intake, adding to a sense of community and ensuring full access for children with SEND and our disadvantaged children.

Implementation

A clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum where teaching and learning should show progression across all key stages within the strands of Science.
Children have access to key language and meanings in order to understand and readily apply to their written, mathematical and verbal communication of their skills.
Children will use a range of resources to develop their knowledge and understanding that is integral to their learning and develop their understanding of working scientifically.
Clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum where teaching and learning should plan for practical investigative opportunities within Science lessons.
Children will reflect on previous learning and cross curricular links will be made wherever possible.
Children will be able to build on prior knowledge and link ideas together, enabling them to question and become enquiry based learners.
Where applicable links to Science will be made to develop the children’s topical learning.
Adaptations will be made for children with SEND.
In KS1, Science is taught regularly within every cross curricular topic to ensure there is full coverage by the end of the Key Stage.
In Early Years, a lot of the Science provision takes place during the crucial role of ‘play’. Adults provide additional scaffolding where it is needed. During this time, adults often make observations of the children.
Eco Warriors after school club - children are working towards a ‘Green Flag Award’ which can be displayed at the end of the academic year. The children look at how we can be more ‘eco-aware’ and have been heavily involved leading assemblies and sharing the eco-friendly message across the school.
Forest School after school club - gives children another chance to become familiar with the world around them and allows children to spend time with an adult in the forest school area.
All disadvantaged children are offered a free club.

Impact

Most children will achieve age related expectations in Science at the end of
their cohort year.
Most children will reach the expectation for the end of KS1 in Science
Children will retain knowledge that is pertinent to Science with a real life context.
Children will be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.
Children will work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment.
Children will be able to explain the process they have taken and be able to reason scientifically.
Children will be able to use subject specific vocabulary and use this vocabulary in their scientific journey throughout KS1 and into their KS2 journey at another school.
Through pupil voice, children were enthusiastic about practical science experiments and all children mentioned how much they enjoy participating in practical lessons: eg: adaptations of a polar bear - Year 2, floating and sinking- year 1.
Through pupil voice, children could not think of anything they dislike about science or the teaching of the curriculum.