Intent
Langley Mill Church of England Infant School & Nursery Science Policy Philosophy At Langley Mill Church of England (Controlled) Infant School and Nursery believes that Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. Children are naturally curious and science nurtures this curiosity, allowing them to ask questions and develop the skills they need to answer those questions. Science links direct practical experience with ideas and it engages learners at many levels. Through science, pupils understand how major scientific ideas contribute to technological change – impacting on industry, business and medicine and improving the quality of life. Pupils recognise the cultural significance of science and trace its world-wide development. They learn to question and discuss science-based issues that may affect their own lives, the direction of society and the future of the world.
Implementation
Science is taught within a thematic approach, carefully planned for coverage and progression across terms, year groups, key stages, school. This enables children to link their learning across a range of subjects, apply the skills and understanding which they have learnt to everyday life and prepare them for the future. In EYFS, aspects of science are delivered through a balance of continuous provision and adult led activities within each topic. Discrete lessons are delivered in KS1 to ensure sufficient curriculum time for effective delivery of scientific knowledge, skills and concepts. There is a high focus on development of scientific vocabulary within each topic. Additional focus is placed on context-based content within science lessons e.g. importance of cleanliness, healthy diets and sleep. Every topic includes a high focus on planned investigative work and use of simple scientific tests that link to topics to demonstrate the using and applying element of the subject.
Science teaching and learning is enhanced by annual National School Meals Week, British Science Week and British Nutrition Foundation Healthy Eating Week. Science plays an important part across the whole curriculum, with the skills and techniques that are developed applied across the curriculum. • Science work is investigative, explorative and based on first-hand experience (where possible). Science regularly involves the children in practical work through individual, small group or whole class groups. Teaching methods include a mixture of whole class teaching, experimental learning, discovery methods, problem solving and open-ended investigations. In lessons where potential risks are involved, an appropriate risk assessment is made alongside the planning (in accordance with the guidance offered by DCC).
Impact
Through our effective science curriculum, our pupils:
- Make good progress in their scientific skills, knowledge and understanding across years, key stages and the whole school.
- Are prompted to continue to learn about science.
- Are inspired to succeed in science.
- Can ask simple questions, observe closely and use simple equipment.
- Are able to identify and classify.
- Can use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.
- Are able to gather and record data to help answer questions.
- Can identify and name plants and their basic structure, knowing that seeds and bulbs grow into plants and what plants need to stay healthy.
- Can identify and name a range of animals, understanding how and why they are grouped.
- Know that animals, including humans, reproduce and need good nutrition and exercise.
- Can name some everyday materials and describe their properties, comparing their uses and looking at how they can be changed by exerting force.
- Know the names of the seasons and describe changes across the four seasons and different types of weather.
