Science
Intent
At Meadowhead Infants we aim to provide a science rich curriculum that ensures our children develop the sticky knowledge and key vocabulary that allows them to explore our beautiful world, in addition all children are encouraged to be curious and as question about the world around them and to work scientifically. Our language rich curriculum allows the possibility for children to question and learn the natural world around them, in a safe, inclusive environment. planning ensures that learning is taught in a creative and active way, which tackles the big questions. Science provides the opportunity for children to activate prior learning and experiences to further develop a deeper understanding, tackle challenges which promote resilience and develop a natural curiosity, thus supporting each child’s mental health and wellbeing
Implementation
To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in science, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the school, allowing the children to embed their learning over time. Our planning and teaching of science ensures full coverage of the 2014 ‘National Curriculum programmes of study for Science’ and ‘Understanding the World’ in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
In EYFS, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. We promote and develop the use of transferable skills such as observation, communication and teamwork, and allow mathematical skills to be applied.
Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly.
We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence. Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s time at Meadowhead and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in-keeping with the topics.
Our teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. We find opportunities to develop children’s understanding, whilst keeping it accessible and relevant, by accessing outdoor learning and planning trips to enhance what the children have been taught at school. Children are offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities, visits, trips and visitors to complement and broaden the curriculum.
Impact
The impact and measure of this is to ensure children not only acquire the appropriate age-related knowledge linked to the science curriculum, but also skills which equip them to progress from their own starting points, and within their everyday lives. Our children will have gained a wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry skills. They will have a richer vocabulary which will enable them to articulate their understanding of taught concepts. Finally, they will enjoy being ‘scientists’ and leave us with a thirst for more knowledge, which will stay with them well into the future.