Science
Science Intent
Alma Park’s Science curriculum begins in EYFS. This foundation in Science is based on scientific exploration of the world around them, such as hands-on investigation of the outside environment. Children in EYFS also have the opportunity to develop their language and communication through asking and answering questions, make observations and comparisons based on their explorations and learn important self-care and healthy choice skills. The National Curriculum provides the skill and knowledge progression foundations that are then built on to provide a purposeful progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary. This ensures that the National Curriculum end points are met.
Our pupils are given a breadth of experience to develop their understanding of themselves as individuals within their community and also as members of a wider global community and as inquisitive scientists. Pupils build on their knowledge and skills in different areas of Science, such as biology, chemistry, physics and working scientifically. This ensures they can use scientific knowledge and skills to support learning across the entire curriculum, confidently making links and enquires and devising suitable ways to discover answers and solutions.
The Science curriculum gives pupils life skills to enable them to become critical thinkers and reflective workers in a world where changes and developments in science, impact every-day lives. Alma Park follows the National Curriculum. This provides opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the different scientific strands, work scientifically and ensures progression. By teaching Science in discrete lessons and with purposeful links to other curriculum areas, pupils develop resilience, problem solving, observational and critical thinking skills. As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, Science is delivered in a safe and inspiring environment which nurtures children’s talents, allowing them to thrive so that when they leave Alma Park they are responsible, active citizens. Science at Alma Park promotes and encourages sustainability in various ways including: sharing of resources and equipment and discussions around sustainability and recycling. Diversity is embraced by giving opportunities to study a range of important people in scientific history. Activities, resources and experiments are adapted when necessary to ensure SEND and disadvantaged pupils can access all aspects of the same curriculum.
At Alma Park we are always looking for opportunities to develop our curriculum and this involves seeking enrichment activities for our pupils using local community links.
Science Implementation
Learning is the core purpose of our school and is central to everything that happens.
In Nursery and Reception, we follow the Statuary Framework for Early Years Foundation Stage document. This foundation in Science is based on scientific thinking activities, such as investigations. Children in EYFS also have the opportunity to explore both the indoor and outdoor environments when investigating how the world works.
In KS1 and KS2 the curriculum covers all the requirements of the 2014 National Curriculum. At Alma Park the National Curriculum has been refined to reflect the communities the children belong to. It is relevant, diverse and engaging. For example, the Science curriculum has been designed so that each programme of study is covered every 2 years. SEND and social disadvantaged pupils can access the science curriculum by adapted resources and support. Science is delivered in discreet lessons, with meaningful links to other subjects. By teaching Science this way, children are able to focus on the skills and knowledge related to scientific learning. It is therefore easier for them to recall past learning in this subject.
Long term plans, knowledge progression and skills progression documents are the building blocks of the subject. From these, medium term plans are created. Individual lesson plans are created by class teachers, these lesson plans take their objectives from the medium term plans. Lessons are structured to minimise cognitive overload, this is done by ensuring prior knowledge is secure and that lessons are not overloaded with new knowledge. Lessons are completed in different coloured books, red for Physics, orange for Chemistry-Materials-, green for Biology which is split into two books Ourselves and the Natural World. A floor book is used to record all investigations done in class. This is left in the book corner for children to look at.
Children will present all work to their best standard. This fosters pride in their learning. The work will show the clear progression of children’s learning through the Key Stages. For example, by programmes of study being covered every 2 years and books being passed up to the next teacher. Lessons are teacher assessed against the learning objective. An end of topic assessment or evaluation is used to assess what knowledge the children have retained.
The outdoor environment and the local community are considered an opportunity for active learning for all our pupils. These can be used to investigate and extend scientific learning. As well as our school based learning, we ensure learning is supported by relevant educational visits and visitors. Trips include visits to the Museum of Science and Industry, Jodrell Bank and Martin Mere.
Our commitment to being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School is shown through our Science curriculum. For example Article 29 Goals of education “Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full”.