Wherever you look, whatever you do and wherever you go, science is all around us. Human nature is to be curious about the world we live in and children enjoy being curious and inquisitive. From an early age children ask the question ‘Why?’
As parents and teachers we may not always have the answers to these questions but it can be fun trying to find out and make sense of what is happening all around us.
'Let your light shine as a Scientist'
Intent
At Tritlington C of E School we recognise the importance of Science in our rapidly evolving world, in every aspect of daily life and in developing our scientists of the future. Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It also satisfies their curiosity with knowledge; because science links direct practical experience with ideas, it can engage learners at many levels.
At Tritlington we aim to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them, gain an understanding of scientific processes, and the uses and implications of science today and in the future. Working scientifically is developed throughout their time at Tritlington as they progress through each year group, building on their skills and knowledge to allow them to have greater independence in thinking of their own questions to investigate, and then in planning and carrying out fair tests. Conducting these tests enables children to learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions, work collaboratively and explain concepts using appropriate scientific language. Our children will understand what it means to be a Scientist and how Scientists play a part in our day-to-day life.
Implementation
The Science lead from Tritlington First School has worked with colleagues across the Morpeth Partnership to create a long term, subject specific plan that shows clear progression of knowledge and skills from Early Years through to Year 13.
There is a clear medium term plan for each theme which outlines a sequence of lessons which ensure progression and depth.
To support the delivery of the curriculum, for each theme, from Year 1, teachers share a Knowledge Organiser with pupils which outline the key knowledge, skills and scientific vocabulary which all children must master. It also acts as a tool to support children in retaining and retrieving knowledge for life-long learning.
We begin science topics with a big question, concept cartoon, odd one out exercise or PMI (positive, minus, interesting point) task to consider. These are designed as a hook into the lesson, a way of assessing knowledge and understanding, identifying misconceptions and developing pupils reasoning skills.
Children self assess by evaluating their own learning and work together to assess each other’s learning. Teacher assessment is measured against the National Curriculum expectations and key skills. We also use other forms of assessment such as quizzes, challenges and discussion which support children to commit learning to their long term memory.
We embrace the world of science at Tritlington C of E First School through our wider links to, and the development of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematical (STEAM) curriculum. We invest in children’s science capital with trips outside school, outdoor learning opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of nature processes, experts in the STEAM workforce visiting school to lead workshops and STEm weeks in school. This has had a hugely positive impact on children’s enthusiasm for science and an understanding of jobs available to them within the science world.
Impact
Our science curriculum is high quality, well thought out and planned to demonstrate progression.
We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:
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A reflection on standards achieved against the planned outcomes
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Pupil discussions about their learning
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Attainment and progress can be measured across the school using our My Progress Goals sheet
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The learning environment across the school is consistent, with science technical vocabulary displayed, spoken and used by all learners.
The impact of our curriculum is that we aim for our children to achieve their full potential in science and marvel at the awe and wonder of how science pervades throughout every aspect of our daily lives. We want the children to recall the rich learning experiences they have been provided with and know that each new taught concept provides a new, or builds on an existing, learning block. We want our children to think critically, ask questions and use their metacognitive learning skills. Our children know to persevere and embrace challenge and as a result, enjoy their Eureka moment of success!
“The most important thing is to never stop questioning.” Albert Einstein
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