Intent At Torrisholme, we encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school and beyond. We aim to foster and develop our pupils’ curiosity in the subject, whilst also helping them to fulfil their potential. Science encourages a healthy curiosity 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. Our children will acquire and develop key knowledge 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. Investigative work will include individual and collaborative learning experiences promoting a positive growth mind set, a sense of responsibility and challenges that take children beyond the classroom Moreover, we aim to prepare our pupils for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world. We intend learning in science to be through systematic investigations of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of their lives that rely mainly on first hand experiences, leading to them being equipped to answer scientific questions about the world around them. It is our intention that, through investigative science, pupils at Torrisholme Primary School will continue to deepen their respect for the natural world and all its phenomena and increase their care and appreciation of it. Implement At Torrisholme, a positive attitude to science learning is created within our classrooms and reinforces 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 as a planned discrete subject but it will take learning beyond the classroom We appreciate the value of making cross curricular links where possible to enable the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge. Learning is also matched children’s interests and needs, current events and the resources available. 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. Precise questioning is used to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess and support children. Learning and skill development of the previous years is built on as the children’s knowledge, vocabulary and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results. From this, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence. When possible, lessons are engaged in real science research including investigations and collecting data (e.g RSPB birdwatch). Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. Opportunities are included to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning when appropriate. Children are offered a range of extra-curricular activities, visits, trips and visitors to complement and broaden the curriculum. We particularly encourage visits from parents or community members with a science background to share their expertise and enhance learning. Events, such as Science week, allow pupils to come off-timetable, to provide broader provision and the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills. These events often involve families and the wider community. Effective learning characteristics include: being curious; being adventurous; rich collaboration; and creating connections between topics. These will all drive effective teaching and learning in Science at Torrisholme. Impact At Torrisholme, our approach results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world. Children learn through varied and first-hand experiences of the world around them and we try to use our school grounds and local environment as often as possible. 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 about the possibilities for careers in science, as a result of our community links (e.g Let’s Localise) and connection with national agencies (e.g. STEM) ensuring that children have access to positive role models within the field of science from the immediate and wider local community. Children at our school overwhelmingly enjoy science and this results in motivated learners with sound scientific understanding. At the end of each key stage, our children will know, apply and understand the skills, knowledge and processes specified in the National Curriculum for science. Our children will have a confident and valid set of science skills and knowledge supported by our values which can be used to not only further their education but help them in their life’s journey. They will have learnt more, remembered more, enjoyed and developed creatively, spiritually, socially and emotionally, enabling them to be ready for the next stage of their education. |
|
|
