Camm’s CE Primary School Statement:  Science

INTENT

At Camm’s, we recognise how vital Science is to every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires. Through the teaching of Science, children understand the world around them and develop their natural curiosity. Learning through enquiry enables children to ask more questions and to develop their own explanations, as well as being able to draw conclusions from data.

IMPLEMENTATION

We follow the National Statutory Framework for EYFS and the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2 through a clear skills and knowledge progression. We teach the knowledge, skills and understanding through Biology, Chemistry and Physics. As children progress through the school so does their confidence and knowledge of how to work scientifically and how to investigate.

The main focus is that of developing scientific enquiry skills which are taught throughout. This enables the children to develop their investigative skills; observing, questioning, fair testing, predicting, measuring, recording, evaluating and concluding in a variety of lessons.

Alongside this, through building up key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and cultivate a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is happening, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes with an emphasis on evidence. Emphasis is also placed on practical science investigations to facilitate each child’s learning as this creates excitement and encourages first-hand experience, safe use of equipment, co-operation, enquiring minds, the enjoyment of discovering surprising results and the development of investigative skills.

EYFS

Science in EYFS is often introduced indirectly through activities that encourage the children to to explore, problem solve, observe, predict, think, make decisions and talk about the world around them [Knowledge and understanding]. Early Years science also helps the children with skills in other areas of the curriculum such as physical or creative development. Children explore creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environments. They observe and manipulate objects and materials to identify differences and similarities. For example, they may look at an egg whisk, sand, paper and water to learn about things that are natural and manmade and their different functions. Children also learn to use their senses, feeling dough or listening to sounds in the environment, such as sirens or farm animals. Children will be encouraged to ask questions about why things happen and how things work. They might do activities such as increasing the incline of a slope to observe how fast a vehicle travels, or opening a mechanical toy to see how it works. Children are asked questions about what they think will happen to help them communicate, plan, investigate, record and evaluate findings.

IMPACT

During their time at Camm’s, children have access to a progressive knowledge and skills-based curriculum. Through our persistent emphasis on the importance of Science, both in school and around the world, our children develop a clearer understanding of how Science influences and changes their lives and how it is essential to the world’s future prosperity. By the time our children leave Camm’s they will have knowledge of; animals, plants and humans, light, sound, electricity, forces (push, pull and magnetic) and materials. Similarly, they will have a growing understanding of Earth and the Solar System; how seasons are created, how gravity works and the phases of the moon. Our aim for the impact of the science curriculum is that the children leave Camm’s School ready for the next step in their science education.