Science

Science Leader: Mrs Holgate

Intent

It is important that our children develop their understanding of what Science is, how Science works and are given the opportunity to discover why Science is important in our world.

It is essential that all pupils have the confidence and desire to explore and investigate through first hand scientific experiences, empowering them to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the world which we live in.

At Hinchliffe Mill Junior and Infant School we aim to 

• Nurture our pupils sense of curiosity by giving them time to ask and explore scientific questions through investigations and develop the key skills they need to answer those questions.
• Empower all our pupils to develop a love for learning for Science and achieve their personal potential.
• Develop our pupils’ confidence and ability to collaborate with others during team tasks, sharing ideas, offering explanations and planning next steps.
• Allow our pupils to use a range of methods and tools to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including IT, diagrams, graphs and charts.
• Build our pupils’ resilience by learning from mistakes, investigating problems, using trial and error and reflecting on next steps           

Implementation

How is Science Taught across school?

In Early Years, Science is introduced through continuous provision with purposeful opportunities to develop critical thinking during Science experiments with pupils understanding been assessed through observations.

In KS1 and KS2 pupils are taught on a two-year cycle. In both Key stages, children are introduced to specific scientific areas Biology, Chemistry and Physics where they will begin to understand scientific knowledge and begin to develop their conceptual understanding. As classes at Hinchliffe Mill School are mixed classes made up of two year groups the science teaching and learning is differentiated learning objectives, activities and outcomes. This is planned by teachers using Basis, Advancing and Deep foci for the science unit taught.

How is Science Assessed? 

Assessment is completed in both a formative and summative format. An assessment of pupil knowledge is completed after the planned unit has been taught. Prior to this, a learning quiz is also conducted at the start of each new topic to ascertain the retention of prior understanding, knowledge and vocabulary.

Further to this each sessions starts with a short recap of vocabulary, learning outcomes from the previous lesson, previous unit or previous unit taught in the subject the year before.

What adjustments are made to ensure that learning is accessible to all pupils?

Planning identifies areas for support for all pupils with additional needs and differentiation of outcomes, resources and tasks are in place so that all pupils can meet the desired learning outcomes for the lesson and unit of work. Each unit has specific learning intentions for pupils who are SEND, working at an Advancing or Deeper Level. This supports our mixed age classes to ensure that challenge and support is present as part of their learning diet.

Understanding the World - EYFS

National Curriculum - Science - Key Stage 1 & 2