ntent

At St James, we believe that science teaches children an understanding of natural wonders. It aims to stimulate a child’s curiosity in finding out why things happen in the way that they do and it also teaches methods of investigation, experimentation and discovery.  Science, through hthe teaching of biology, chemistry and physics, will stimulate a child’s creative thought and will encourage children to ask scientific questions. We believe that every child has the potential to achieve during a science lesson and that every child can develop knowledge and key scientific skills.

Implementation

All science lessons at St James follow National Curriculum 2014. We teach science as a standalone subject but will make relevant cross curricular links if they are appropriate. Our aim is to develop scientific knowledge and skills. During each lesson, children will develop their use and understanding of key scientific vocabulary through carefully planned ‘talk time’ to explore science by using high quality visual images. We aim to make reference to previous learning and deepen understanding through each lesson and to support children to develop an understanding of science by providing a range of scientific enquiries, investigations and questions to help them explore the world around them.  Where appropriate, children are expected to use scientific equipment and to present conclusions clearly and accurately. They will be encouraged to work scientifically by observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things and carrying out simple comparative tests. Teachers reinforce the expectation that all children are capable of achieving and succeeding with the curriculum. The large majority of the children progress through the curriculum at the same pace. Teachers will differentiate the programmes of study within the science curriculum where required and will use questioning to assess children regularly. Teachers will also provide opportunities for children to learn about past and current scientists who have had a profound impact within science. 

Impact

Throughout each lesson, formative assessment takes place and is given to the children through marking to ensure they are meeting the learning objective. Teachers make use of formative assessment in working scientifically and also knowledge. At the start and end of a programme of study, teachers will also use summative assessment to determine if a child is meeting the standard for the particular programme of study. The assessments also help teachers pitch lessons and demonstrate progression.  Assessments regarding the children’s progress at the end of unit of work is recorded using the in school assessment system. End of term data is collected via Otrack.