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Science

Science

At St Mary's we want our children to develop a love of science which is filled with curiosity. We strive for them to think like inquisitive scientists and to have scientific eyes about the world around them.

 

Our Science curriculum provides full coverage of the primary science programmes of study from the National Curriculum.  The curriculum is designed to give children access to all of the subject knowledge required to progress in their learning, coupled with opportunity to work scientifically in a range of contexts designed to embed concepts and skills.

 

We aim to teach science through contexts that are meaningful.  Content is set in a range of interesting contexts that are relevant to our pupils.  Children are encouraged to relate the science they are learning to their own lives as well as working in context in the wider world.  Through these contexts, children revisit areas of study to consolidate learning so they remember more. 

 

We provide regular opportunities for pupils to engage in hands-on practical activity.  In these sessions pupils are taught to engage in asking questions and developing skills in:

  • Observations over time
  • Fair and comparative tests
  • Identification and classification
  • Research
  • Pattern seeking

As in all subjects, it is critical that children develop their vocabulary so they are best placed to access the learning and make progress.  At the start of every unit, vocabulary is shared with the children.  We assess their ability to use these scientific words appropriately as we believe they are an indicator of the development of their knowledge and skills.

 

In order to assess the impact of our curriculum,teachers regularly assess the children against the expectations of the unit.  This can be done in a variety of ways, including:

  • Regular quizzing and low-stakes tests
  • Observations of the children working scientifically
  • Immediate feedback using the school’s agreed policy
  • End of unit assessment tasks
  • Formative assessments (KS2)
SEND in Science
 
Ambition- What are we aiming
for children with SEND to
achieve in this subject?
        Access- What amendments
       are made to the subject in
       order to help children
       with SEND to achieve? 
  • We must be aware that a child’s scientific ability and inquiring mind is not directly related to their writing or maths ability. 
  • Children should be given the opportunity to create their own investigations with support appropriate to their SEN learning barriers. 
  • Children must be given the opportunity to ask their own questions as well as complete teacher-led enquiries.
  • We will adapt lessons to meet the needs of every child. 
  • Our lessons will be sequenced to follow Rosenshine’s principle of teaching to support all learners.
  • Revise facts and key vocabulary from prior sessions.
  • Key vocabulary referenced often with examples given. 
  • Children work in mixed ability groups when conducting scientific investigations with teacher/TA overseeing groups and offering assistance when required.