Science

INTENT

At English Martyrs’ School we intend to provide a holistic approach to science where pupils from Early Years through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 are fostered to be curious question seekers, critical thinkers, and have a deep understanding and awe of the natural world around them. We want pupils to be passionate and inquisitive about the world around them, leave primary school with problem solving skills and the confidence to tackle science in secondary schools, as well as use the skills that they develop in science in every other aspect of life. We want our pupils to look at the world with a different lens and understand the different connections that can and might possibly be as well as have an understanding of the bigger picture. In every science lesson we want pupils to be engaged by ensuring our lessons are ambitious and accessible for all.

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CURRICULUM MAP 2024-25 Science

Our pupils will be provided with opportunities of creative investigations which are also relevant by ensuring we provide real life experiences; which will nurture their curiosity as well as encouraging scientific thinking. We want to enable pupils to think, be involved by doing and then talk about scientific concepts so as to develop them to be able to articulate their understanding using accurate scientific vocabulary.

Through our approach we want our science curriculum to provide them with the cultural capital or knowledge that they need to be able to prepare them for future success and ready for next steps in their learning and life journey, as well as ensuring they have a strong moral compass where they understand the world around them needs to be nurtured and cared for. We also hope that our science curriculum will plant a seed in some pupils that there is an achievable possibility of pursuing science related careers and that they can give back to society in this way.

IMPLEMENTATION

At English Martyrs’ Primary school we use the Plymouth Science scheme of work that maps both substantive and disciplinary knowledge over KS1 and KS2. Medium term plans identify the key objectives in each topic in conjunction with detailed practical lessons which focus on one of the five enquiry approaches. Teachers elicit prior understanding to enable them to cater for the needs of the cohort and adapt where necessary.

Pupils complete investigations and hands-on activities while gaining the scientific knowledge for each unit. Working scientifically skills are taught explicitly by the teachers, supporting the children to become more independent and accurate scientists as they develop their understanding and independence in this area. These principles are carefully interwoven in lessons and by the end of their KS2 journey, children should be confident to approach a line of enquiry independently and scientifically.

Scientific writing is meaningful and enables the children to document their investigative process, culminating in conclusions which reflect on hypothesis made, making links to theory to deepen understanding of concepts covered.

During science lessons, children learn that there are a variety of types of scientific investigations and be taught these across their time in school:

Fair testing
Surveys and patterns in data
Classification
Exploring and observing over time
Problem solving
Investigating a ‘model’
Secondary research

They will develop an understanding of what the differences are between these types of investigations, the pros and cons of each, as well as when it is best to select a particular approach. As children move through KS2 they may then be given opportunity to choose their own approach to learning and how best to investigate.

In the Plymouth scheme common misconceptions are highlighted to alert teachers to ensure these are planned for. Teachers in any year group who are revisiting topics and building upon prior knowledge, have access to previous assessment data in order to aid planning and organise interventions, where necessary.

Every year, we also mark special days or weeks such as Earth Day and British Science Week. Science based trips such as visits to the Science Museum and similar places also enrich the children’s and build on what children do in science lessons in school.

Teachers are supported through school based CPD led by the Science lead and others and also take part in other courses from time to time. At English Martyrs’ we will aim to ensure that our science teaching and pedagogy is the best it can be.

This is achieved by:

monitoring that our curricular maps are being implemented effectively and that they are accurate
providing teachers with the necessary tools to succeed in teaching science successfully and with passion
assessing learning in science
lessons are consistently and systematically structured
ensuring the pupils’ science books reflect that the national curriculum science objectives have been met
that there has been opportunity for them to develop greater depth
that science is contributing to the development of literacy and numeracy skills
parent and community engagement

IMPACT

Each term teachers assess children’s levels of understanding as well as at various points in each lesson. All children should have an opportunity to show their level of understanding, regardless of literacy ability. Any children with specific SEN requirements need to be planned for, so they also have the same opportunities to learn and show understanding. Provision for extension within the lesson or between different ability groups should be provided for where possible, to ensure all children have the opportunity to show a developing understanding with the lesson.

The subject coordinator will conduct regular monitoring to check coverage and progression, giving timely and focused feedback to all staff. By the time children leave English Martyrs’ Primary school they are equipped and ready for an effective transition from KS2 to KS3 science.