Leigh Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
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Leigh Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Science policy
Rationale Science is a body of knowledge built up through experimental testing of ideas. Science is also methodology, a practical way of finding reliable answers to questions we may ask about the world around us. Through the teaching of the specific disciplines biology, chemistry and physics we develop children’s ideas and ways of working that enable them to make sense of the world in which they live through explanation, prediction, investigation and analysis. We believe that a broad and balanced science education is the entitlement of all children, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, class, aptitude or disability.
Aims
thinking, including open mindedness, perseverance, and objectivity and recognition of the importance of teamwork.
Skills Giving children an understanding of scientific processes. Helping children to acquire practical scientific skills. Developing the skills of investigation - including observing, measuring, predicting, hypothesising, experimenting, communicating, interpreting, explaining and evaluating. Developing the use of scientific language, recording and techniques. Developing the use of ICT in investigating and recording. Enabling children to become effective communicators of scientific ideas, facts and data.
Structure Science lessons will be taught on a one year cycle. Where possible, science lessons will be linked with other areas of the curriculum to deepen knowledge and embed learning. In KS1, children will complete 1.5 hours of science per week, this is increased to 2 hours in KS2. Teaching and learning Science is taught on a weekly basis from Reception to Y6 and supported and enhanced through other curriculum areas. In Foundation stage, science forms the basis of one of the seven areas of learning. KS1 and KS2 use the 2014 National Curriculum as a basis for planning within the subject. Teachers cover the units of work for their year group which have been carefully placed throughout the year to create cross curricular links with topic themed subjects. Learning takes place in class groups and differentiation takes place where appropriate. Support will also include partner/ group work. Teachers deliver the curriculum and support children to achieve set learning objectives. Teachers use a variety of interactive teaching methods and use the Outstanding Science scheme to support teaching and learning. Key features of outstanding teaching and learning of science include:
Recording Teachers will plan a variety of written and practical lessons. Children will record written lessons in their science books – they will be encouraged to take pride in their work and teachers will have high expectations for children to present work neatly. Practical lessons are an important part of the science curriculum to teach children to work scientifically. Although practical lessons may not include any written work, evidence of these lessons should be recorded in books through photographs/written explanations of what has been covered. When conducting science experiments, children should be taught how to write up their investigations using an appropriate format which includes details of question, equipment, method, results and conclusions.
Marking and feedback Teachers will follow the school marking policy when marking books. This will help to inform the school assessment tracker (OTrack). Children will receive both written and oral feedback which will enhance their learning and provide next steps for learning. Children will have the opportunity to ask questions to further their knowledge.
Assessment Assessment in science will be ongoing throughout the year through marking and feedback and questioning within lessons. Teachers will assess children on their knowledge and working scientifically skills termly and update the school assessment tracker (OTrack) accordingly. Health and safety When planning lessons, teachers should anticipate likely safety issues, assessing any risks and putting in place any necessary precautions. Teachers should ensure that during lessons, children are aware of safety issues and understand how they can work safely and ensure that they understand the need to keep themselves and others safe. Teachers should consider safety for themselves, others, the environment and the resources they use when carrying out scientific activities and using equipment. Teachers should ensure that the appropriate equipment is used within lessons and that children receive demonstrations on how this should be used. Any accident or injuries should be recorded in the school accident/first aid book and reported to a member of SLT and the science subject leader.
Resources Science resources are kept in the science cupboard on the top floor play deck. Any resources used should be cleaned and returned so that they are ready for use for the next teacher. Teachers are responsible for checking that equipment is available and ready to use for their lessons. Gaps or weaknesses in resources should be notified to the science coordinator and will be addressed when funds are available.
Curriculum links Topic Science topics have been arranged within year groups to (where possible) fit in with the topic being taught in humanities. E.g Y6 South America (Amazon) - Living things and habitats. English Through written or verbal observations, noting predictions and producing results children show evidence of their developing scientific understanding therefore contributing to science. Mathematics Working through investigations children learn to estimate and predict. They learn to use and apply numbers, use weights, measures and handle data. Computing Children use computing to record, present an interpret data; they support their work in science by finding, selecting and analysing information. PSHE Children develop a sense of awe and wonder regarding the nature of our world. Science raises many social and moral questions and children have the opportunity to engage in discussion and to reflect on the way that the earth’s resources are managed. Science helps to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of physical and environmental factors and promotes respect for other people.
Inclusion Staff will be committed to promoting inclusion with science lessons. Staff will assess the needs and abilities of all children within their class and identify any support or resources needed to ensure that all students can access the lessons and curriculum appropriately. All children will be given equal opportunities |
