Science 

Intent

At Lugwardine Primary Academy it is our intention to recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in primary education, we ensure we give the teaching and learning of science the prominence it requires through a fun, practical and highly engaging curriculum that inspires, supports, and includes all our pupils to succeed and excel in science. Our progressive science curriculum is concerned with increasing pupils' knowledge and understanding of our world, whilst developing skills associated with science as a process of enquiry. Science will develop pupils' natural curiosity and encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment, leading them to be equipped for life to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them. We intend to build a science curriculum which develops learning, acquisition, and retention of knowledge, whilst developing an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and enquiry. 

Implementation 

Science is taught using the White Rose Progression. Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children can achieve high standards in science.

Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:​ 

• ​Science will be taught in planned topic blocks, in line with the National Curriculum, by the class teacher. Our strategy enables all pupils to be catered for through adapted planning suited to their abilities. ​ 

• Through our planning, we create opportunities that encourage pupils to find out for themselves, by asking their own questions and giving them time and opportunities to use their scientific skills to find out the answers. Planning involves teachers creating highly engaging lessons and practical investigations.  ​ 

• The skills for working scientifically are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the pupils' school career. New vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in keeping with the topics.​ 

• Teaching and learning builds upon the learning and skills developed during previous years. As the pupils' 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.​ 

• Pupils will use a range of resources to develop their knowledge and understanding that is integral to their learning and develop their understanding of working scientifically.​ 

• Pupils will be able to build on prior knowledge and link ideas together, enabling them to question and become enquiry-based learners.​ 

• Through enrichment days, such as 'Science Week', we promote the profile of science and allow time for our pupils to freely explore scientific topics.​ 

• Each science topic will need to have an overarching ‘BIG Question’  

• Each topic will start with an elicitation activity to assess the children’s prior knowledge. This assessment should then inform planning for the new topic and help identify any existing misconceptions the children might have. ​ 

• To promote enquiry, each science lesson will need a ‘key question’ that the children will be exploring. 

• At the end of a topic the children must complete an end of topic assessment.  ​ 

• Knowledge Organisers (KOs) – each topic will need a KO which is shared with both parents and the children in the class. KOs set out in detail what we want children to know by heart by the end of the topic. 

Impact 

At Lugwardine Primary Academy most pupils will achieve age-related expectations in science by the end of the cohort year. This will be evidenced through formative assessments made by teachers and summative assessments at the end of each topic. Pupils will have a richer vocabulary and will retain key learning which they can demonstrate as they move through the school. They will be able to question ideas, reflect on their knowledge and work collaboratively and practically to carry out investigations and experiments.​ 

​Our successful approach to the teaching and learning of science results in a fun, engaging, high quality science education which provides pupils with the foundations for understanding the world. Our science and teaching will lead to high aspirations in pupils, that will equip them for further study and work. 

Golden Threads

• Children will develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding in biology, chemistry, and physics ​ 

• ​Children will develop a clear understanding of carrying out scientific enquiries to answer questions about the world around them ​ 

• ​Children are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future ​ 

• ​Children will know about a range of important scientists​