Curriculum / Science
" Science is simply the word WE USE TO DESCRIBE A Method of Organizing our CURIOSITY - Tim Minchin"
At The Leys, we encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school and beyond. The Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills, and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments, and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.
To ensure our science curriculum is accessible to all pupils and maximise the development of every child’s ability and academic achievement.
Pupils to be exposed to high quality resources, e.g. electrical equipment, measuring equipment, telescopes, fossils.
For pupils to be taken on a scientific journey which builds on their existing and developing knowledge and skills.
Pupils to acquire a wide range of scientific vocabulary and be able to apply this learning to their scientific discovery and writing, including across other subjects.
For pupils to take pride in the presentation of their work in science.
Teachers to provide opportunities for pupils to explore, think and question in science learning and every day exposures; this could be within any subject area.
Teachers to reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science.
Teachers to have a secure understanding of the Science curriculum, working scientifically skills and deliver lessons that are creative and engaging
Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;
Science will be taught in planned and arranged topic blocks by the class teacher, to have a project-based approach. This is a strategy to enable the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge.
Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children to find out for themselves.
Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up.
We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts.
The large majority of pupils progress through the content of the science curriculum at the same pace. Scaffolding is achieved through individual support, targeted intervention in class and resourcing, e.g. with word banks in lessons.
Our Marking & Feedback policy is used to recognise strengths and identify areas to develop in terms of scientific skills.
Teachers use their professional judgement and the Teacher Assessment Frameworks for science, alongside the working scientifically skill wheels, to determine whether a pupil is working at age-related expectations, above or below. The national TAFs are used for years 2 and 6 and the Herts for Learning TAFs are used for the other year groups.
The successful approach at The Leys results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first-hand experiences of the world around them. Frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom is embedded throughout the science curriculum. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science through the study of famous scientists from various backgrounds, all children feel they are scientists and capable of achieving. Children at The Leys enjoy science and this results in motivated learners with sound scientific understanding.
- Subject Overview 2023-24
- Science Progression Grid
Want to find out more about what your child is learning in Science? These knowledge organisers will help you to explore the area of study and ask questions at home!
“I like to do the experiments and learning about different types of animals” - Y1 Child
“In STEAM week we built cars and did a race about the cars. It was so much fun” - Y2 Child
“Making volcanoes was cool - we made mini ones in the STEAM room” - Y3 Child
“Working scientifically means thinking smarter instead of guessing. Being like a scientist - finding evidence and using it to add what you think” - Y4 Child
“The superheroes are helpful so we can coach others and know what we’re focusing on” - Y5 child
“Child led investigations are my favourite -gives our brains a chance to think ‘how do we do this’?” - Y6 Child
Children were asked about Science that they do at home- these were some of their responses:
“Coffee beans are melted down into a paste when my dad makes his coffee” - Y5 Child
“Cleaning at home - the products can create a reaction, like the chemical sprays” - Y4 Child
“Science at home could mean making cakes, muffins and chocolate bombes” - Y3 Child
“Making a cup of tea is science as there is a reaction between the milk and the teabag and the hot water” - Y6 Child
“Painting at home - I mix two colours together” - Y2 Child
Mad Science Club - Autumn Term KS2
Science Trips
STEAM Week
CREST Awards