Intent

Language acquisition will be at the heart of our whole school curriculum, and we will ensure all our pupils are able to use a broad library of science enriched vocabulary accurately and confidently in their independent writing and when speaking. In Key Stage 1, Putnoe Primary School want to ensure our pupils can ask about the world around them and explain phenomenon, using accurate scientific vocabulary. They should be able to speak in full sentences confidently and accurately. Our pupils should be able to frequently use science terminology in their investigations and be able to write down observations over time, identify and classify, research, pattern seek and fair test. In Key Stage 2, Putnoe Primary School want to ensure pupils can build upon their science vocabulary and develop their key investigation skills. In particular, having the confidence to pattern seek, make observations over time, fair test , research and identify and classify.

With strong links to reading lessons, the teaching of vocabulary, our pupils will be able to make links with what they have read and understand how this develops skills for writing, noticing key grammar and sentence structure skills. Having a range of “science friendly” books to help children recognise and use science vocabulary as well as ask questions will be an important part of both their reading and Science.

At Putnoe Primary, we understand the importance of developing pupils' independence for writing and their ability to generate ideas. Structured templates will help to promote ideas and generate prompts for independent writing while working both independently and as a team.

Through Pupil Voice, we encourage our children to be a Science Ambassador; this gives them the opportunity to voice their views to ensure our science is child centred. We will meet regularly to share the latest science news, talk about science taking place within the school and how we can inspire others.

Implementation

The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons.

At Putnoe Primary, teachers create a positive attitude to science learning both within their classrooms and the Science Lab to reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following; Science will be taught in planned, and arranged, topic blocks by the class teacher. Our strategy is to enable all children to be catered for through adapted planning suited to their abilities. We plan for problem solving and real-life opportunities that enable Pupils to find out for themselves. Pupils are encouraged to ask their own questions and are given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers.

This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. We support the use of our Science lab to enrich science lessons and allow practical, engaging lessons with a range of resources. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years, which is tested through our prior knowledge activities at the start of a topic and end of unit assessments where teachers can identify misconceptions that need addressing.

Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career, and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in keeping with the topics. Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Clear science displays with the Working scientifically lenses are found throughout the school in classroom and in the science lab.

Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts. Through enrichment days, such as ‘science week’, we promote the profile of Science and allow time for the children to freely explore scientific topics.

Impact

The successful approach to the teaching of science at Putnoe Primary results in a fun, engaging, high quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world around them so that they can take with them once they complete their primary education. Pupils learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our community links with Cranfield University, STEM Ambassadors, Science Enthuse Partnership and the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Cambridge. These links provide exciting and engaging enrichment opportunities to support and develop our Pupil’s desire to achieve in science.

In addition, pupil voice is used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning of pupils’ views and attitudes towards Science, to assess the children’s enjoyment of science, and to motivate learners.

Furthermore, here at Putnoe Primary we are keen for our pupils to access enrichment opportunities such as the Chick Hatching Experience, Pop Up Planetarium and Microscope challenge. These experiences enable our pupils to use “how and why questions”, make strong links with the world around them and enthuse them to continue their science journey beyond the classroom and throughout their life.