Science at Fellgate

Subject Lead: Mrs S. Spencer

On this page, you can find information about our science curriculum at Fellgate.

Intent:

At Fellgate Primary School we recognise and value the importance of science and scientific enquiry. We intend to develop a fun, practical and engaging high-quality science curriculum that inspires the next generation to succeed and excel in science. We do this through fully adhering to the aims of the National Curriculum and fostering a healthy curiosity and interest in the sciences. We believe all Fellgate Primary children should leave primary school with a strong understanding of the world around them. We plan to do this by teaching them the specific skills and knowledge to help them think scientifically and gain an understanding of scientific processes, namely scientific knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Including, developing our children’s understanding of the achievements of scientists and the uses and implications of science today and for the future. Scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic the children study. Topics are mostly taught as a half termly unit with the content being revisited and developed further throughout the children’s time at school. This allows our children to build upon their prior knowledge and increase their enthusiasm for the topics studied and their surroundings whilst embedding procedural knowledge (use of equipment, conducting experiments/investigation, building arguments and Being familiar with scientific terminology) into the long-term memory.

Implementation:

At Fellgate, we follow the National Curriculum and use the Developing Experts Science Scheme of Work from Year 1 to Year 6. Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children can achieve high standards in science. Science is taught throughout the school in weekly lessons and is delivered by class teachers.  The school follows Developing Experts which covers units of study linked to the National Curriculum and supports teachers with their lesson planning. Each of the units shows progression in the key scientific knowledge and concepts required from EYFS to Year 6. Other sources may also be used to enhance the lessons in order to meet the needs of the children. We ensure that appropriate scientific vocabulary is used when studying a particular area of science, a list of the scientists who are working, or have worked, in that particular area of science and practical activities to support the learning.

In EYFS Children engage in scientific activities through their study and acquirement of Understanding the World (UW). Our reception children follow the Early Years Curriculum (Development Matters) for KUW and Developing Experts.

 As a PSQM school, we have developed key principles for teaching science. They remind us to provide lessons and opportunities that stretch beyond the standard National Curriculum and develop pupils’ science capital. Our principles are monitored for impact and reviewed annually to fit with school development priorities:

Impact:

Our monitoring proves that the science curriculum is frequent, continuous and progressive embedded within Fellgate Primary school ensuring all children leave with a love of science and the belief that they CAN achieve and succeed in science. They learn through a fun, engaging, high quality science education where they enjoy being scientists and have developed a sense of excitement and curiosity for understanding how the world works through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. They have developed a good body of foundational scientific knowledge concepts. They know a range of methods and process to investigate a scientific question and they understand how science is used throughout the world. As scientists, they are confident that they know how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunities:

Our curriculum is fully inclusive and all children can succeed in science. Where necessary, small tweaks are made to the delivery of lessons to enable all learners to make progress. We support ranging needs, celebrate cultural diversity and make learning relevant through linking content to the context of our school and children.

Awards and Quality Marks:

We are current working towards achieving the Primary Quality Mark PSQM award (Valid 2021 – 2024) and also the Woodland Trust award.

Subject Mantra:

We use subject mantras to develop our children’s understanding of the subjects they are learning. They also help our children make connections and develop their long term memory.

Here, you can find out about our Science Policy that will tell you more about the subject and how it is taught, monitored and assessed across the school.

Long Term Plan: