Science
Science Intent
Children are naturally curious about the world around them and through the teaching of Science at Platt Primary School we aim to nurture and develop this sense of intrigue. A high quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world and as one of the core subjects taught in primary schools we aim to give Science the prominence it deserves. We will invest teaching time into the development of key skills that can be transferred across subjects and used throughout life.
We aim to inspire an appreciation and sense of awe of our universe; its precious resources, natural laws and our world’s complex eco-systems. Also, through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, Platt students will be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. We hope to develop a sense of responsibility to the world and engender the belief that through Science we can make the world a better place.
In a nutshell, we want children to say “Wow!” and to ask “Why?”, throughout their school career and indeed the rest of their lives.
Implementation
Where possible, Science will be taught in conjunction with the class text; using the Power of Reading learning scheme. However, there will be times when there is no obvious link and Science lessons will be taught discretely. Science lessons will be taught at least weekly, but are likely to extend into longer projects, enabling students to observe scientific phenomena over a period of time and encouraging greater depth of engagement with work. Platt students will also engage with a whole school annual themed Science Week to promote further knowledge and skills of a particular topic.
Primary science is not just about “book learning” but also will be taught via experimentation, active research, drama, songs, drawing on life experiences, discussion and art.
In conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:
- Learn a range of key transferable skills, for example communicating, analysing, researching, classifying and recording while learning specific content.
- Develop rigorous scientific methodology and the ability to record scientifically using a range of methods.
- Ask questions, focusing those questions, developing and carrying out lines of enquiry and developing further questions based on their enquiries.
- Embrace the cross-curricular opportunities scientific learning offers, maintaining a high standard of maths and English throughout any scientific work.
- Understand the uses and implications of Science; historically, today and for the future.
- Develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.
- Use a range of research skills including: primary and secondary resources, demonstrative tests, experimental tests, making models, observation and pattern seeking.
- Develop substantive knowledge that is built on throughout their time at primary school, and the ability to address misconceptions.
Impact
At the end of Key Stage Two, we hope to see a sound basic knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology and geology with students demonstrating an in depth level of critical scientific thought. They will have an awareness of famous scientists in history and the discoveries and inventions they made.
They will be able to ask and refine relevant questions; design and carry out a line of enquiry, reach conclusions; reflect upon their learning and suggest further lines of enquiry.
By the time they leave Platt, our students will understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes in a way that prepares them to continue their Science learning journey at senior school and hopefully beyond.
We are currently reviewing our curriculum in Science . Mrs Adrien is leading us to develop a wonderful new offer which will be published shortly. Should you have any enquiries please feel free to ask Mrs Adrien.