Denton West End Primary School

Science

Denton West End Primary School

SCIENCE POLICY

OVERVIEW

At Denton West End Primary School we believe in developing and increasing pupils’ understanding and enjoyment of science. Science has changed our lives significantly and we aim to stimulate a child’s curiosity in finding out why things happen in the way they do. We will use the National Curriculum Science Guidelines as the basis for our scheme of work and we will ensure that all pupils develop scientific knowledge, skills and understanding through the appropriate teaching of biology, chemistry and physics. This policy will ensure that high standards are achieved and that pupils make good progress at every stage.

INTENT

1. To promote and develop children’s enjoyment and enthusiasm for science through exciting, practical, first-hand learning and opportunities to experiment, explore and investigate.
2. To ensure that the National Curriculum requirements are taught, thoroughly, systematically and progressively to all pupils.
3. To apply, where possible, their scientific knowledge skills and their reasoning skills across all subjects of the curriculum.
4. To ensure that from the EYFS onwards, pupils are confident in their understanding and application of their basic skills in science and that they build upon their prior learning at every stage.
5. To encourage children to use their increasing knowledge, skills and understanding of science to investigate, ask questions and solve challenging problems.
6. To bring science to life and make it real so that children understand the importance of science in the world and in their everyday day lives.
7. To ensure that all children are well supported so they can achieve.
8. To teach pupils how to work safety when using equipment.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. An appropriate range of teaching and learning strategies will be used in science lessons to capture pupils’ interest and to promote effective learning and progress.
2. Teachers will use the guidelines, supported by an appropriate range of teaching and learning resources, to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding of every child, ensuring that all pupils achieve high standards for their ability and make appropriate progress.
3. Children will be encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, discover new information, apply and consolidate their knowledge, skills and understanding through first-hand experience, investigations and practical work.
4. Teachers will make use of the immediate and wider environment to help pupils apply their scientific knowledge skills and understanding to see the relevance of science to their own lives.
5. Teachers will assess children’s work in science by asking questions, observing learners during lessons, observing pupils solving practical problems and listening to pupils’ discussions. Work will be marked and pupils will be given feedback.
6. The science leader will support the teaching and learning of science, monitor progress and standards across the school and keep staff up to date with new developments in science. 

IMPACT

During their time in this school, children will become more confident scientists, asking and solving problems by applying their knowledge, understanding and skills in science. The well thought out curriculum will ensure progression across year groups and the development of skills and knowledge for every child.

Science – Useful websites

• http://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/ - experiments that can be done at home.
• https://sciencebob.com/category/experiments/ - experiments that can be done at home.
• http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html - experiments that can be done at home.
• The Science Museum for information, games etc.
• The Children’s University of Manchester Science pages
• National Geographic Kids
• BBC Bitesize
• Science Sparks(including loads of challenges and periodic table of experiments)
• The Imagination Tree(craft and creative play ideas, including fab play dough recipe!)
• Zoo live - ZOO KNEW You can watch animals live at the zoo without leaving the sofa. Zoos and aquariums all around the world have launched virtual footage of their attractions and animals. https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/countryside/g31784857/live-animal-webcam-zoo/
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/terrific-scientific

TV programmes - Either on Freeview, watch again or YouTube

• David Attenborough documentaries 
• Operation Ouch!
• National Geographic Kids
• How It’s Made
• Educational YouTube channels (compiled by Paul Tyler) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_5Wf0ZyXbRaWwTrAuO6LRIDDoSMJZck-/view

For more information about the curriculum areas please contact the school