OUR INTENT AND VISION
Science is an essential aspect of our everyday lives. At Latchford St James, we recognise this importance and want to promote a lifelong love of science within our pupils. When planning our science lessons, we aim to ensure it is rich with key scientific vocabulary and varied in order to meet the needs of all our learners. We believe all children should be taught the scientific knowledge and skills in order for them to work scientifically, both independently and with others. We also want our children to develop a curiosity and sense of excitement about the world in which they live. To do this, we aim to plan our science lessons to include practical activities and opportunities for the children to explore the environment around us wherever possible.
IMPLEMENTATION
At Latchford St James, we plan our science curriculum based on the National Curriculum 2014. Our school curriculum drivers are also used in planning our science curriculum and this ensures our children are developing their personal skills as well as scientific skills. Through effective science teaching, our children are able to develop their knowledge and key skills in each of our different topics, with children also being able to use key scientific vocabulary to describe different scientific concepts they have learned. Science is taught creatively with lots of opportunities provided for children to work both independently and with their peers. Our science team ensure our equipment and resources are of good quality so that our children are able to explore the practical elements of science safely.
In Early Years, we teach science as an integral part of topic work. We relate the scientific aspects of the children’s work to the objectives set out in Development Matters, working towards the Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Science makes a significant contribution to developing a child’s knowledge and understanding of the world.
We monitor our science teaching and learning in line with the school’s science policy. Teachers formally assess children’s knowledge and working scientifically skills at the end of each unit of work by using the HeadStart Primary assessment tool. Teachers use both formative and summative assessments to inform their future planning and ensure any misconceptions are addressed. Regular assessments of children’s learning take place throughout our lessons through our use of questioning.
Our teachers plan and deliver effective science lessons to make sure that our children develop a good understanding of the different scientific concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The science subject leaders and members of our science team oversee end of unit assessment data and regularly monitor the teaching and learning of science across school.
IMPACT
Our children really enjoy science and are enthusiastic about their lessons. They are developing a good sense of curiosity about the world in which they live and how our world works. Our science curriculum ensures there is a progression of skills and knowledge across school so our children are developing a good understanding of scientific concepts as they progress through our school. Our pupils are becoming more independent in their science work and are eager to investigate the different elements of science. Our science curriculum also ensures our children are expanding their range of scientific vocabulary and can use their newly acquired vocabulary correctly when discussing their learning.
Standards of teaching and learning in science are good and teachers are enthusiastic about the lessons they deliver. Attainment and progress in science is regularly monitored and reported to the school’s senior leadership team to share with governors.
