Science

“Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge.” 

Stephen Hawking

Aims

Science means knowledge. It is the study of the nature and behaviour of natural things and the knowledge that we obtain about them. It can be split into three strands: biology, chemistry and physics 

At Willow Tree, we believe that all children have the right to leave school with a curiosity of the world. We believe that Science is interactive and we aim for children to investigate the world around them in a logical and scientific way. We encourage all children to observe the world around them, ask questions, carry out, analyse and evaluate their investigations. 

We believe that Science is:

Engaging

Adults make Science fun and exciting and promote curiosity and wonder about the world around us.

Interactive

Children participate and learn through hands-on experiences including outdoor provisions.

Talk

Children are encourage to talk about Science with the aid of visual prompts using Scientific vocabulary in a confident manner.

Relatable

Science taught has foundations in real-life so children can use and apply their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

Understand

Children will be taught that there are many different areas of Science, which scientists work in and that they can strive to work in that area when they are older.

At Willow Tree, we want all children to be naturally curious about the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to think scientifically. We also want children to gain an understanding of the uses and implications of Science today and for the future.

Scientific learning happens from Nursery through to Year 6.

In Early Years the children do not study specific Science topics; instead, teachers lay the foundations for future scientific learning. Our EYFS curriculum achieves this by building in opportunities for the pupils to:

• 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.

The foundation of scientific learning is working scientifically, which is embedded throughout all areas of learning. Children will be encouraged to ask a question and have a good understanding of how to answer it. They will be able to choose appropriate equipment to set up tests, make careful observations and present their data in different ways. They will be encouraged to look for similarities and differences in their results with the emphasis on using scientific language and evidence.

How is the curriculum delivered?

• Science is taught weekly in KS1 and KS2 and through continuous provision in EYFS.
• Content is planned and taught in a sequential order to promote progression and depth. Teachers use the Primary Assessment Network (PLAN) planning from the Association for Science Education (ASE). This provides clear guidance to all teaching staff on the progression, application of skills, knowledge and misconceptions expected for each topic,
• In each year group key vocabulary is identified for each science topic and it is expected that these keywords will be explored through teaching and be displayed on science working walls.
• Knowledge organisers are used to outline the vocabulary that the children must learn.
• Low stake quizzes are used at the beginning of every lesson to support the children’s ability to block learning and increasing space for working memory.
• Careful use of challenge questions to apply their learning in a confident manner.

Our Science curriculum is high quality, well thought out and planned to demonstrate progression. 

• Children enjoy and are enthusiastic about science.
• Children will retain knowledge that is relevant to Science with a real life context.
• There is a clear progression of children’s work and teachers’ expectations.
• Children are confident to use and explain scientific vocabulary.
• Children can ask questions about their science learning and reflect on their knowledge.
• Children are becoming increasingly independent in science, and completing pupil lead investigations.
• Children will work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment.
• Children will be able to explain the process they have taken and be able to reason scientifically.