Subject Rationale for Science

Science learning promotes knowledge and understanding of both the natural and physical world that we live in. At St Anne’s Primary, Science teaching and learning aims to stimulate a child’s curiosity in finding out why things happen in the way they do – developing enquiring minds about natural phenomena and a respect for the environment. Science teaches methods of scientific enquiry which stimulate creative thought, as well as essential aspects of knowledge, processes and uses of Science. When children learn to ask scientific questions, they can begin to appreciate the way Science will affect their future on a personal, national, and global level.

How we teach and learn Science at St Anne’s.

Our principal aim is to develop children’s’ knowledge, skills, and understanding through enquiry-based learning. This allows children to become Scientists by having the opportunity to be immersed in questions that promote an ability to ‘know how’ as well as to demonstrate they ‘know of’.  Sometimes we do this through whole-class teaching, while at other times we engage the children in group or individual activities. We encourage the children to ask, as well as answer, scientific questions. They have the opportunity to use a variety of data, such as statistics, graphs, pictures, and photographs. They may use computing when pursuing an enquiry if it enhances their learning. They take part in role-play, drama and discussions and they may present reports to the rest of the class. They also have use of the outdoor environment to enhance their science learning, as well as Forest Schools. When possible, we engage the children in ‘real’ scientific activities and encourage the application of science to solve problems, such as by asking how Science can help the homeless. 

EYFS and KS1 share their learning by using a class floor book. In KS2, each child has an enquiry book in which they record their Science learning.  We recognise that there are children of widely different scientific abilities in all classes and we ensure that we provide suitable learning opportunities for all children by matching the challenge of the task to the ability of the child. We achieve this in a variety of ways by: setting common tasks which are open-ended and can have a variety of responses; setting tasks of increasing difficulty;  grouping children by ability in class and setting different tasks for each ability group; mixed ability pairing and grouping and providing resources of different complexity, matched to the ability of the child; The children’s activities reflect practical skills such as making observations, taking measurements, making predictions and solving problems. Science enquiry lessons, are planned using the National Curriculum objectives and the school’s own scheme. Cross Curricular learning is encouraged, but only when meaningful links with other subjects are made. For example; children might create a piece of Science based writing in their English writing books, to demonstrate an application of knowledge in a range of genres.

The teaching and learning of the Sciences, is an excellent vehicle for developing our pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding. For example, it is wonderful to see children with a sense of being moved by beauty in nature, triggering a trail of ‘why’, ‘how’, ‘where’ as well as ‘what’ questions and concerns. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility and care for the environment and to express their views on ethical & moral issues such as pollution. Our Science activities promote social development as pupils work as a member of a group, showing a combined respect for people, living things, property and the environment. As we encourage the scientists of the future, it is always good for pupils to be inspired by human achievement from all cultures and societies.  The whole school enjoys regular visits from Mad Science and all our children have the opportunity to join the Mad Science club.

How we celebrate our Science learning.

Science is assessed and celebrated in a range of ways. At the end of each Science based enquiry, children are given the opportunity to complete a challenge related to their learning. They will use their Scientist skills to showcase their knowledge and understanding as they apply it to complete the challenge. In Years 2 and 6, Science is assessed against the National Curriculum Teachers’ Assessment Framework in Term 6 and reported externally.  Teachers are always making informal judgements as they observe children during lessons. On completion of a piece of work, the teacher marks the work and highlights the mini question in green if the child has achieved it. Wishes are sometimes given in order to extend the child’s thinking and explanation or to correct misconceptions.

Learning to Learn certificates may be awarded to children who exemplify skills; Curious Cats (asking questions), Web Weaving Spiders (making links with prior knowledge), Busy Bees (having good learning relationships) or for demonstrating any of the other characters within their Science learning.

Classes enjoy sharing their Science learning during class assemblies and this is a lovely opportunity to show others what they have discovered. Homework tasks may have a Science link and children are encouraged to communicate their independent learning in class.  Visits and end of enquiry celebrations are also ways in which the children can show case and be proud of their growing scientific minds.