INETENT - BECOMING SCIENTISTS

At Fernvale, we believe that the teaching of science is an important part of the curriculum that helps children begin to understand aspects of the world around them both the natural environment and that created through the application of science.

We endeavour through scientific investigation to spark their imaginations and interest to explore and ask questions.

 The science curriculum at Fernvale aims to ensure that pupils build secure foundations in scientific thinking by using discussion to probe and remedy their misconceptions. 

 The aims of science teaching are to:

• building up a body of key foundational knowledge and  concepts
• encourage them to recognise the power of rational explanation
• develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena 
• understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes

At Fernvale, we endeavour to develop a child’s curiosity from an early age, to always ask questions, and ensure their understanding.

PRINCIPLES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING SCIENCE

1. Children’s curiosity is encouraged and valued; they are excited and enthusiastic in science lessons.
2. Children are investigating and enquiring.
3. Science is practical and hands-on and children enjoy learning through exploration and questioning; they have the opportunity to use good quality resources and the outside environment.
4. Progression of science skills is evident and taught throughout.
5. Children confidently use accurate scientific vocabulary in context.
6. Teachers use different assessment strategies during science lessons.
7. Children can make real-life links with their learning.  

IMPLEMENTATION

At Fernvale, we use Hamilton Brookes Trust as we work scientifically through a range of key concepts:-

KS1

• Living Things and their Habitats
• Plants
• Animals including Humans
• Uses of Everyday Materials
• Seasonal Changes

KS2

• Living Things and their Habitats
• Plants
• Animals including Humans
• Everyday Materials
• Seasonal Changes
• Rocks
• Light
• Forces and Magnets
• States of Matter
• Sound
• Electricity
• Earth and Space
• Evolution and Inheritance

Science curriculum in Years 1 to 6 uses the widely-respected Hamilton Brookes Trust as a start point, with adaptations as appropriate to resources, timing and cohort ability. This resource provides an ambitious level of challenge coupled with relevant links to other curriculum areas, and enquiries that are rooted in children’s everyday experience. In Early Years, Science – or Understanding the World – is planned from the Development Matters document.

Science is taught for a minimum of 2 hours per week across KS1 and KS2 timetables.

Lessons follow the philosophy of the ‘Thinking, Doing, Talking Science’ approach developed by Science Oxford and Oxford Brookes University. This entails a good balance of thinking, discussion and practical activity time, with a spotlight on working scientifically skills and focussed assessment.

The knowledge and understanding of concepts is aided by a school-wide program that prioritises key vocabulary in each topic and year group. These words are regularly reviewed and practised both outside the topic and science lesson time. There is also a system of pre-teaching this vocabulary in small groups to enable every child to fully access the learning.

The children are encouraged to risk assess any practical activity, indoors or outdoors, before engaging. Safety is stressed as being paramount, particularly in topics such as electricity, forces and field work. The importance of a healthy lifestyle is a constant theme of each unit studying humans and other animals.

Through carefully planned  demonstrations, activities that challenge the children’s creativity and teamwork, regular trips, visitors, after-school STEM club, Science at Fernvale is about inspiring and maintaining curiosity through enjoyment, while ensuring that each child has the core knowledge and skills they need to progress!

Resources are regularly audited by the science lead and updated as necessary. 

IMPACT

Children are curious, engaged and motivated to learn. They are used to being given time to think and share their ideas, safe in the knowledge that making mistakes is all part of the scientific process! They are beginning to an extensive mental bank  of technical vocabulary which they can use to talk about challenging concepts. Their working scientifically skills progress well in small cumulative steps across the key stage. At the same time as being adventurous, they are safety-conscious. They know how science as a subject applies to their everyday lives, and, through their years at Fernvale, develop extensive science capital.