Our Approach to Science

Through Science, we aim to ignite curiosity in our children; we want them to question why things happen and the way things work. We believe that a high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through Biology, Chemistry and Physics content. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. 

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following; 

• Teachers distinguish between the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  

• Through our planning, we involve problem-solving opportunities that allow children to find out for themselves. 

• Science is taught through purposeful and practical experiences where children gain a greater understanding of the world. 

• Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various 'Working Scientifically' components in order to embed scientific understanding. 

• Oracy is promoted in the classroom to enable children to articulate their thinking clearly using specific, technical scientific vocabulary.  

• Children are given opportunities to make links to everyday life through a range of scientific enquires and experiences.  

• All children are challenged to apply their knowledge across various concepts, making links across lessons and units.  

• Clear models are provided through the use of concrete materials, manipulatives and practical experiences.  

• Through AfL, teachers use questions to check for understanding and higher order questioning to deepen understanding. 

• Teachers plan to address and challenge common misconceptions.  

• Adaptive teaching strategies are used for children with SEND to support them in accessing the curriculum; for example, using Widgit to make the vocabulary and unit content accessible, use of stem sentences and cloze procedures where appropriate. 

• Children are provided with verbal feedback to help them move forward in their learning.  

• There is a clear progression of knowledge and links across the curriculum.  

• Teachers are clear about prior and future learning so children can do more and know more. 

We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their knowledge into the next stage of their education and life experiences.  

Children should work scientifically using practical scientific methods and processes that have been clear set out in the National Curriculum.