Science

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.“  Carl Sagan

 INTENT

At Nunney First School, our pupils are SCIENTISTS!  We want our learners to develop a curiosity and deep understanding of our world and how it works. We recognise the importance of science both as a core subject and in everyday life, giving it the prominence it requires.

Togetherness – Pupils work together to predict, investigate, record and evaluate their findings.  Group practical activities allow the children to explore ideas and concepts drawing on each other’s prior knowledge and experiences to move their learning forward.

Happiness – Through building a foundation of key knowledge and concepts, pupils are encouraged to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.  Pupils leave Nunney School understanding the brilliance and importance of science in the past, present and the future.

Respect – Pupils become comfortable with respecting other people’s theories, ideas and explanations.  They feel able to share their thoughts in a safe setting where trial and error is encouraged. Pupils develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.  Science motivates pupils to explore the world around them and develop an attitude of respect for themselves, others and the environment.

Independence – By the end of Year 4, Pupils develop scientific enquiry skills and subject specific knowledge which will support them in their future education and life beyond school. We want pupils to use their critical scientific thinking to challenge established ideas, help them solve problems and make informed decisions.

 

Variety – Science leads pupils on a journey of discovery, as they link isolated facts to form a coherent narrative about the natural world. Science will open up new ways of thinking, nurture pupils’ natural curiosity and help develop inquiring minds.

Excellence – Expectations are clear during science lessons, allowing all pupils to engage with their learning, increasing their understanding and fostering a love of Science.  Science lessons will encourage children to have the confidence to articulate their ideas and ask questions using appropriate vocabulary and applying their learning.

IMPLEMENTATION

Through our well-planned, progressive curriculum and exciting hands on learning experiences, pupils predict, research, investigate and evaluate to develop their knowledge of scientific phenomena. Pupils begin their science journey in EYFS with the Early Learning Goals (specifically ‘Understanding the World) as detailed in the Early Years Statutory Framework. This journey continues in KS1 and LKS2 through the study of topic areas defined by the 2014 National Curriculum. Science is integrated into our ‘Learning Means the World’ Four C’s big projects as well as specific competency units. Science is interwoven without other subjects to create a more immersive learning journey than being always stand alone.  Pupils are encouraged to always consider how their science learning in school can develop their understanding of ‘real life’ contexts.

Pupils are taught key scientific vocabulary, which supports in the acquisition of scientific knowledge and understanding. This develops through the year groups as topics evolve over time.

At Nunney First School, we offer our pupils a range of exciting experiences to build their love for and interest in science. We value the importance of immersing them in the practical aspects of science and providing them with high quality, fun experiences that develop their curiosity and desire to learn more. Through visits, external visitors, assemblies and science themed days, pupils are have many opportunities to broaden their scientific knowledge of the world around them.

IMPACT

The teaching of science at Nunney First School results in a fun, engaging, high quality science education that provides pupils with the foundations for understanding the world. Formative assessment is used as the main tool for assessing the impact of science as it allows for misconceptions and gaps to be addressed immediately. Quizzes and discussion tasks demonstrate previous knowledge and help teachers to determine next steps.

At Nunney First School, we aim for pupils to:

  • demonstrate a love of science
  • retain scientific knowledge that is pertinent to science with a real life context
  • be able to question ideas and reflect on their knowledge
  • be able to articulate their understanding of scientific concepts and reason scientifically using rich scientific language
  • work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment utilising their scientific skills
  • achieve age related expectations in science at the end of their cohort year