Intent

We believe that a broad and balanced science education is the entitlement of all our pupils at Hurstbourne Tarrant Church of England Primary School. Therefore we endeavour to deliver a high-quality science curriculum which provides our pupils with a secure foundation for understanding the world around them. We truly value the role of science in nurturing our pupils’ awareness and respect for nature. Throughout each year at Hurstbourne Tarrant, children will explore and observe our school grounds as part of their class nature studies. This encourages them to foster concern about, and active care for, our environment. Through fun, hands-on science enquiries, we promote our pupils’ sense of excitement and inquisitiveness about natural phenomena. We also encourage our pupils to understand, explore and challenge key scientific concepts, including those of renowned scientists as well as their own hypotheses. Whilst investigating these hypotheses, our pupils are supported to acquire practical scientific skills; using scientific language to communicate and record their findings in a variety of ways. We aim to provide Hurstbourne Tarrant pupils with a deep, lasting interest in science which will prepare them for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

Implementation

We use a variety of teaching and learning styles in science lessons such as exploration, debate and discussion and practical hands-on investigation. We share the learning intention which is skills based with the pupils by stating it clearly at the beginning of each lesson. Our main aim is to develop children’s scientific skills, knowledge and understanding through challenging, motivating activities that extend the pupils learning. This can be through whole class teaching, small group work, paired work or independent learning. Some of the topics taught in school are Science led (Please see Curriculum Map and the Long Term Plans for each class for further information).

KS1 and KS2 - We teach the National Curriculum for Science.

The Long Term Overview identifies the science topics to be taught each term to each year group. The Long Term Plans identify the science objectives for the block of work for that term. Science skills are taught continually and are identified in teachers’ short term planning.

In Early Years (Spring Class) Science is most commonly found in the ‘Communication and Language’, ‘Physical Development’ and ‘Understanding the World’ areas of learning.

The planning is monitored by the Science subject leader to ensure curriculum coverage and an emphasis on practical exploration and investigation.

Impact

We assess and measure impact by:

• Talking to the pupils and asking questions
• Discussing the work with the pupil
• Looking at the work and marking against the learning objective
• Observing the pupils carrying out practical tasks
• Pupils self-evaluation of their work

At the end of Foundation stage the children are assessed against the progress descriptors in their Foundation Stage Profile. At the end of KS1 and KS2, the children are assessed using teacher assessments.  

Children are ready for the next stage of their education and build on prior understanding.