At Newburgh Primary school we endeavour to ensure our children become curious in finding out why things happen in the way they do. They learn to:
•Enquire, explore and observe so that they can ask questions about themselves and the world around them
•Develop confidence in a range of practical skills including sorting, classifying, planning, predicting and carrying out scientific investigations.
•Work collaboratively, safely and carefully when using materials and equipment.
•Use scientific vocabulary with increasing confidence as they progress throughout the school.
•Gain secure scientific knowledge and understanding which is demonstrated in written and verbal explanations, solving challenging problems and reporting scientific findings.
•Acquire a progressive understanding of scientific ideas through enquiry.
•Foster concern about and appreciation of our environment
At Newburgh Primary School, each teacher will provide regular science lessons in order to progressively develop scientific knowledge, skills and understanding.
Our school aims to encourage learning through investigations and theoretical lessons, with an emphasis on first-hand experience. Our science lessons typically contain some of the following elements: discussion; whole class, group or individual learning; practical, investigative tasks, recording and communicating.
Planning implementation
Planning follows the programmes of study for each year group and will identify the most appropriate teaching strategy to suit the purpose of each objective. All science lessons have clear differentiation and success criteria to ensure that pupils make good progress.
For each year group 1-6, the Science Long Term Plan includes, the topic and national curriculum objectives for each term, as well as the main investigation and skill to be taught.
In the foundation stage, Science is taught through the strand of ‘Understanding the World’. Science is embedded by providing a wide range of activities including: indoor and outdoor learning, adult-focused tasks, child-initiated tasks and independent play.
Teaching
Scientific enquiry is at the heart of our Science teaching at Newburgh. For each topic pupils are required to carry out an investigation/s linked to a specific scientific skill. Pupils are encouraged to plan, explore, answer questions, make predictions, draw conclusions and evaluate their investigations.
To support the pupils working scientifically, investigation posters are used by teachers when planning, carrying out or evaluating investigations.
To stimulate pupil talk and thinking we include the use of a dedicated discussion slot, the bright ideas time.
As part of the curriculum we run a successful Forest School which allows our children to experience science education in the outdoor environment.
In addition, we hold specific Science weeks and days to allow the children to explore scientific concepts based around a theme, such as sustainability, water, space and sport.
The successful approach of the teaching of science at Newburgh Primary School results in a fun and engaging, high quality curriculum, that provides children with:
- A good understanding of the world and how it works;
- Meaningful and memorable experiences;
- Practical science opportunities and collaborative learning;
- Rich vocabulary and understanding;
- Opportunities to raise questions, find answers and reflect on their knowledge;
- Enables children to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding as they progress throughout the school;
- Develop an awareness of how the world is changing, the role humans play in tackling environmental issues and how they can help.
Assessment
Assessment takes place continuously through questioning, discussion, observations and work produced. Children are assessed at the beginning and end of each topic. This enables staff to ensure any misconceptions or gaps in learning are addressed and the children’s overall knowledge of each topic.
At the end of a whole unit of work, the teacher makes a summary judgement about the work of each pupil in relation to the National Curriculum. We use these grades as a basis for assessing the progress of the child, and we give summative assessment grade in the yearly report to parents and we pass this information on to the next teacher at the end of the year.
