Science

Implementation

• At Even Swindon Primary School, Science is implemented through a variation of approaches, strategies and themes. Science is taught weekly throughout the school through a combination of discrete lessons, revision, reading around the topic, practical and extra-curricular opportunities.
• Our Science curriculum is broken down into three key areas of study; biology, chemistry and physics. Within these areas, topics are further broken down to ensure depth of study.
• The key areas are highlighted throughout our Science progression documents, which give teachers clear direction on the intended outcomes for each of these elements of Science. These documents then ensure that Science learning is built on at each stage in a child’s journey from the EYFS, right to year 6. 
• To further support the development of children’s understanding of Science, assessment for learning also sits neatly alongside our progression documents to ensure that children that struggle with certain concepts, or children that excel and need further development are immediately identified and catered for. Teachers formally assess three times a year in Science, allowing future teachers to see any gaps or areas of strength for classes and individuals, and ensuring Science teaching is tailored to each child.
• SEN children are well catered for through a range of practical approaches, use of resources and visual support for vocabulary learning.
• More able children are similarly challenged within lessons with problem solving approaches, and opportunities to develop the depth and expertise behind their explanations.
• Additionally, all children have access to a range of extra- curricular opportunities in Science throughout the year through an annual Science Week, trips, visits from scientific experts, links with other schools and the inclusion of outdoor lessons within our Science teaching.
• Key science concepts are displayed on our termly knowledge organisers, allowing children and parents to make links between science and the wider curriculum.
• Science at Foundation Stage is covered in the ‘Understanding the World’ area of the EYFS curriculum. It is introduced indirectly through activities that encourage every child to explore, problem solve, observe, predict, think, make decisions and talk about the world around them.
• To widen the children’s opportunities further, Year 2 and Year 4 take part in the Crest Award, which inspires young people to think and behave like scientists and engineers.
• Our triennial achievement of the Primary Science Quality Mark, has allowed Science leadership to keep up to date with the latest developments in Science teaching and learning, and that understanding is then disseminated to staff through regular CPD.

Impact

• We believe high quality learning in Science has been achieved when pupils say that the fun and engaging curriculum provides them with a good foundation for understanding the world and the significance that science has in our lives.  Children will be encouraged to work collaboratively through practical opportunities to investigate and experiment.

• This will be evident through children’s engagement in lessons and their ability to retain and make links to their prior learning. They can talk knowledgably and enthusiastically about the subject and can use skills they have previously learned. There will be evidence of building upon skills throughout varied, practical, first-hand experiences. Children will be able to question ideas and reflect on their knowledge.

• The impact of our Science curriculum will be overseen by the subject leader(s) through learning walks, team teaching, book looks, pupil and staff voice, planning feedback, and ongoing data analysis.