Science

Our Vision

Science is the study of the physical world, involving a collection of facts from observations, physical experiments and working scientifically from which children form ideas of their world. Through science, pupils at Ribble Drive Primary School will continue to deepen their respect, care and appreciation for the natural world and all its phenomena. Our approach to science enables us to realise both our Mission Statement:

 “Be The Best That You Can Be”

And our Disability Statement:

“To make all reasonable adjustments to ensure that any member of the school community with a disability is not placed at a disadvantage and to endeavour to anticipate their needs in advance of their participation in any activities within the school”

Intent

Through our teaching of science, Ribble Drive Primary School aims to equip our pupils with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science both today and in the future. This intent is further supported by the following aims:

1. To develop pupils’ enjoyment and interest in science and their curiosity about the world around them.

2. To develop questioning and enquiring minds through a range of experiences and opportunities.

3. To introduce pupils to the language and vocabulary of science.

4. To develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

5. To 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.

6. To develop an understanding of the different ways in which science can be used and applied within the wider world.

7. To introduce pupils to the work of scientists in different scientific disciplines and the diverse opportunities within science-related careers.

Implementation

At Ribble Drive Primary School we base our teaching of science on the programmes of study which are set out year-by-year for key stages 1 and 2 in the National Curriculum. Teachers base their planning and delivery of the curriculum content on the PLAN science resources using the knowledge matrices and exemplification of work to deliver inspiring and engaging lessons which allow all children to progress in their knowledge and skills as scientists.

Working scientifically skills are embedded throughout each unit of work allowing each child to develop as a scientist. The specific disciplines taught through working scientifically are:

• Asking questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways

• Making observations and taking measurements

• Engaging in practical enquiry to answer questions

• Recording and presenting evidence

• Answering questions and reaching conclusions

• Evaluating and raising further questions and predictions (KS2 only)

• Communicating their findings (KS2 only)

EYFS

Although science is not a specific area of the EYFS curriculum, the foundations for science are laid through the specific area of Understanding the World. Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community and the Early Learning Goals state that children at the expected level of development at the end of Reception will:

• Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants

• Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class

• Understand some important processes and changes in the natural world around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter

Science Week

Each year the whole school will take part in a themed science week which will normally take place during British Science Week in March and follow the theme of British Science Week each year. This is an opportunity for children and staff to extend their science knowledge beyond the core curriculum and to take part in activities that will allow them to deepen their understanding of what a scientist is.

Impact

Children will become confident scientists who can articulate the breadth of their scientific knowledge and understanding. This will be evidenced through their science books, class floor books, photos and videos of science learning. Science will be celebrated and valued and children will recognise the importance of science to help them understand the world around them.

Teachers monitor and assess children’s progress in science by:

• Looking at pupil’s work, especially over time as they gain skills and knowledge

• Observing their skills and knowledge within lessons

• Talking to them about what they know

At the end of the school year, teachers will make a summative judgement about the achievement of each pupil against the knowledge content and working scientifically skills for the child’s year group. Teachers will draw upon their professional knowledge and judgement of the progress of each child based on the previous three terms and this is reported to parents at the end of the school year. Teachers in Years 2 and 6 will also report end of Key Stage attainment for each pupil using the end of Key Stage assessment frameworks and this is used to form a national picture of science attainment.