Science at Harlyn

Intent

The intent of Harlyn’s science curriculum is to ensure that all pupils are able to experience curiosity and excitement when investigating the world around them and that they develop a good understanding of scientific facts and processes. We encourage our children to ask, as well as answer, scientific questions and we teach them to explain what is happening in scientific investigations, make predictions, collect results, analyse their findings and critically review the process. We promote respect for all living things, for our immediate environment and the wider world, and teach children to recognise the importance of science in the welfare of our future.

The scheme of work that the school uses has been designed to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum and teaches children a range of skills that build progressively to enable them to work scientifically (e.g. making observations, researching and measuring). Scientific language is taught and then built upon as topics are introduced or revisited in different year groups and across key stages. It is our intent that children learn to articulate scientific concepts clearly and precisely and that we address any misconceptions. We aim to ensure that our children develop a secure understanding of each key block of knowledge and concepts in order to progress confidently to the next stage.

Implementation

Early Years Foundation Stage 

In 'Understanding the World' pupils are encouraged to make sense of the natural world. At Harlyn, Early Years pupils have frequent opportunities to use their senses to observe and explore natural materials and phenomena (such as changing seasons) much of which is experienced in the outside environment. We encourage them to be curious and ask questions about how things work and why they happen, and to talk about similarities, differences and changes. They are introduced to specific vocabulary as and when it is appropriate and their learning is often enhanced with books that are shared in the classroom. Pupils also learn how to look after themselves, eat healthily and stay safe.

Key Stage 1

Science is taught through the National Curriculum and the Kent Science Scheme of Work. Pupils are encouraged to develop their own scientific ideas by forming their own questions, observing changes over time, grouping and classifying things and carrying out simple tests. The children are encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice and they will start to learn some scientific language and use it to talk about what they have found.

 Key Stage 2

Science is taught through the National Curriculum and the Kent Science Scheme of Work. In Key Stage 2, the focus is on enabling pupils to broaden their scientific view of the world around them. They develop their scientific ideas by exploring and discussing them, asking questions, designing their own investigations and selecting the most appropriate method to answer their questions. Children are also encouraged to use scientific vocabulary in order to talk and write confidently about what they have discovered. This facilitates greater depth of learning and development of scientific skills. 

Working Scientifically 

In addition to topics covered, a large part of the national curriculum for science is working scientifically. This means equipping children with the skills needed for scientific enquiry, for example, thinking logically, questioning, planning/carrying out investigations and drawing conclusions. Included in this area of learning are the following five strands:

• Observing over time
• Pattern Seeking
• Identifying, Classifying and Grouping
• Comparative and Fair Testing (controlled investigations)
• Researching using secondary sources
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Impact

Pupils will acquire sound scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding across the range of topics taught and will understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. They will be inspired to think and act like a scientist through engaging, practical lessons that help them to understand how different types of science enquiries can be used to help them answer scientific questions about the world around them.

We expect the impact of our teaching to be that children meet age related expectations. These can be seen in the progression document below.