Science

Intent 

Science teaching at St Michael’s Infant School aims to provide children with high quality Science education and the foundations they need to recognise the importance of science in all aspects of daily life.   Our curriculum will ensure children will be given the opportunities to explore their curiosity, challenge their thinking and become enquiry based learners through researching, investigating and evaluating.  Through this they will develop scientific vocabulary and understanding, enabling children to respect living things, the world around them and beyond.   High quality teaching and learning will be established through enabling children to develop an independent sense of excitement, asking questions to further develop their conceptual understanding and providing opportunities for critical evaluation.   Our science education aims to provide a diverse, broad and balanced curriculum, in which children are immersed in a journey of wonder, creativity and an appreciation of life-long learning.  

Implementation 

St Michael’s Infant School uses Switched on Science.  This scheme, developed by Rising Stars, provides full coverage of the National Curriculum; following each Programme of Study for the individual year groups.  This ensures that the learning is progressive and continuous, building on prior knowledge.  Over the year, children will be engaged in asking questions and using one of the five science enquiries.  Lessons will be hands on, providing regular first-hand experiences, to enhance and deepen their learning whilst working scientifically.  Key scientific vocabulary (as well as their meanings) is readily available on classroom working walls, to assist with children’s learning of scientific knowledge to help embed understanding of new and developing concepts.  Cross curricular links will be made throughout and all learnt skills will be readily applied in their written and mathematical work.  This will help to re-enforce and provide a meaningful context to their learning and through this, children will be equipped to retain and build on their knowledge from previous learning.

Impact 

As a result of a well-structured and engaging approach to the teaching of science, most children will achieve age related expectations in Science at the end of their cohort year, providing the children with the necessary foundations beyond primary education.   End of topic assessments are carried out in order to reflect on the children’s learning, allowing time to correct misconceptions and address any gaps in children’s knowledge and understanding. In doing this, children will be able to continue to develop their understanding upon secure foundations.  In Science, we also measure impact by:  

• Learning walks 
• Working walls 
• Pupil voice 

• Photos and videos of children practical work 
• Class based discussion 
• Self and peer assessment 

 Long Term Plan

Progression Document