Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. Scientific method is about developing and evaluating explanations through experimental evidence and modelling. Pupils learn to question and discuss science-based issues that may affect their own lives, the direction of society and the future of the world.
Science is taught on a weekly basis to ensure that the knowledge, understanding and application of skills are developed for all pupils. Although Science is no longer classed as a core subject, we believe that it should retain a high profile across the school. Great emphasis is placed on concept maps and key vocabulary as well as practical investigations and assessments. We have the Science Quality Mark at a gold standard.
At Key Stage 1 pupils observe, explore and ask questions about living things, materials and physical phenomena. They begin to work together to collect evidence to help them answer questions and to link this to simple scientific ideas. They begin to evaluate evidence and consider whether tests or comparisons are fair. They use reference materials to find out more about scientific ideas. Pupils share ideas and communicate them using scientific language, drawings, charts and tables if it is appropriate.
At Key Stage 2 pupils learn about a wider range of living things, materials and physical phenomena. They make links between ideas and explain things using simple models and theories. They apply their knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas to familiar phenomena, everyday things and their personal health. They think about the effects of scientific and technological developments on the environment and in other contexts. They carry out more systematic investigations, working on their own and with others. They use a range of reference sources in their work. They talk about their work and its significance, using a wide range of scientific language, conventional diagrams, charts, graphs to communicate their ideas.