Science

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Intent

Our ‘school family rooted in God’s love’ believes in developing our children’s curiosity of the world by providing them with an inspiring science curriculum. We harness and direct this curiosity: through open-ended questioning; by encouraging exploration and inquisitiveness; by creating relevant and purposeful learning opportunities and by developing enquiry and appraisal skills.

Our school value of ‘independence’ is evident in science lessons, presenting children with opportunities to make choices in their learning and ways of recording their work. Through the study of biology, chemistry and physics, we develop the children’s awareness of the many branches of science and related careers. We hope to inspire future learning opportunities and a lifelong love of science.

Implementation

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning through a range of exciting and practical lessons. The acquisition of scientific knowledge is embedded in the planning of lesson sequences to incorporate working scientifically. Brindle St James’ is part of a hub of schools that is supported by The Ogden Trust; as such physical science is very well resourced and teachers are supported through high quality CPD.

Science is taught in planned, topic blocks by the class teacher following a whole school long term planning matrix. The Subject Leader ensures that all learning is progressive and we build upon the learning development of the previous years, which is assessed and teachers can identify misconceptions that need addressing. Our strategy is to enable all children can access all lessons.

Working Scientifically enquiry skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career, and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. Teaching Assessment in Primary Science lessons are used which are produced by the Primary Science Teaching Trust. These offer creative opportunities for pupils to show their understanding.

Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically knowledge to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts. Regular Science Days are organised by the Subject Lead to ensure that science maintains a high status within the curriculum.

Impact

The successful approach to the teaching of science at Bishop King results in a fun, engaging, high quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world that they can take with them once they complete their primary education.

Our wonderful outdoor space, which is being continually developed, lends itself to science outdoor learning and the opportunities for these are mapped throughout the long term map.

Pupil voice is used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning of pupils’ views and attitudes towards Science, to assess the children’s enjoyment of science, and to motivate learners.

The science Subject Leader is Mrs. Chase.