Science

Intent 

‘A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.’    

DfE National Curriculum 2014 

At Rushton CE First School, our aim is to ensure that all pupils develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world around them which is underpinned by a secure understanding of the ‘big idea’ scientific concepts and practical application of scientific enquiry skills. The opportunities provided for science learning aims to build Science Capital, making science accessible and relevant to the real life of our pupils and raising aspirations for pupils to follow science learning and careers in the future. From research carried out by King’s College, London, Science Capital is likened to a bag containing all the science related knowledge, attitudes, experiences and resources that are acquired through life. We aim for our pupils to achieve science literacy, confidence in knowledge and understanding of how science works, a good science related attitude, how pupils see science as relevant to their everyday life, and know about the transferability of science, seeing the broad applications of science across a wide range of future careers. Underpinning this approach is the firm belief that all pupils can achieve the expected standard in Science and can foster a sense that science is ‘for me’ and ensure all pupils:

Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Implementation 

All science learning at Rushton CE First School supports the development of a pupil’s Science Capital. Each opportunity will establish pupils existing knowledge and understanding, address misconceptions and introduce new learning which will ensure pupils are able to progress to more challenging science content.

Scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding

Pupils will be given opportunities to secure knowledge and understanding of the key concepts in science. Subject knowledge will be introduced in small, sequential steps that aim to deepen and broaden scientific knowledge. Children are provided with carefully designed learning and exploration opportunities. A consistent and precise use of technical vocabulary will be used throughout the school so that pupils are able to describe associated processes and concepts with accuracy. Misconceptions will be identified and addressed to ensure pupils are supported in reconstructing these misconceptions to be able to apply knowledge to increasingly higher-order concepts. Where possible, pupils will explore scientific knowledge and concepts using familiar and appropriate resources that aim to put the learning into context and pupils are able to see science in everyday life. Pupil’s spoken language development is supported, and pupils will be supported to articulate science understanding clearly and precisely by skilful questioning.

The nature, processes and methods of science

Pupils will be able to apply skills to work scientifically throughout the school. This is not a separate strand of learning but is embedded in the practical exploration of science concepts through science enquiry. Progression of working scientifically skills is developed during different types of science enquiry which include observations over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing; and research using secondary sources. Pupils will be supported to ask questions of the world around them and be able to ask testable questions, plan for enquiry, use equipment, record data and evaluate results. Pupils receive explicit instructions and demonstrations of the working scientifically skills. Pupils are expected to be active participants in their Science learning, working towards independence in asking and testing their own scientific questions.

The uses and implications of science

Science Capital will be further developed by providing opportunities to think about the science they know, their attitude towards science and everyday engagement with science. Science in the media, science in popular culture, science clubs, science-related visits, learning about prominent scientist and interaction with people who work in science-related careers will enhance pupil’s disposition to science. At Rushton CE First School, Forest School is a key opportunity to link to science as it happens in the natural world. Science will be inclusive, and all pupils will be supported to identify where science relates to their interests and daily life.

Early Years Foundation Stage 

We believe that all children in the Foundation Stage should achieve their Early Learning Goals so that they leave Reception ready to start their learning journey in Key Stage One. In order to achieve this children receive: 

Adult-led science related activities
a carefully designed continuous provision is planned for within all areas of the learning environment. This is skilfully designed to link with a science concept.

Skilful questioning to develop children’s depth of understanding in adult-led and child-led activities.
Rapid identification of misconceptions and learning to address this.
Opportunities to develop children’s scientific language. 
Exposure to science enquiry types and working scientifically skills, with consistent and concise use of technical language, to be Key Stage 1 ready.

Impact 

Children at Rushton CE First School will be able to: 

Show a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world around them.
Articulate understanding of science concepts clearly and precisely.
Ask scientifically higher-order questions and be able to use skills to work scientifically to try to answer the questions.
Have a good understanding of how science knowledge and skills are transferable to real life situations.

Have a positive attitude to science, aspirations for future science learning or a career and a developing science capital.

Science knowledge and skills progression table

Science Working Scientifically progression table