Super Science

What We Intend To Do

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”

- Marie Curie

Science, as defined by the Science Council (sciencecouncil.org) is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding, both of the natural world and social world. Scientists follow a logical, systematic methodology based on evidence. This includes observation, evidence, experiment, repetition, reasoning and conclusion.

The School’s Science Curriculum aims to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them. Our children are encouraged to ask questions and apply their scientific skills and knowledge to investigate and find answers. Wherever possible and safe, this is done practically so that children may gain first-hand experience of the world they live in. This includes, but is not limited to, exploring and investigating the world around them through Forest School and outdoor education.

The school intends for children to:

  • use develop a questioning and reflective mind by providing a range of exciting and enjoyable activities.
  • develop a systematic and logical way of working.
  • apply their skills and knowledge to investigative work.
  • come to a deepening understanding of scientific concepts.
  • observe, question, investigate, analyse and make sense of their findings.
  • evaluate and communicate their findings.
  • develop their knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live.
  • work safely and carefully.

    • How We Teach Science

    All children have access to the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and Science National Curriculum. At Sherborne CofE Primary School we use a long term Science Curriculum plan delivered over a two-year period to ensure children receive their full curriculum entitlement and to avoid repetition between classes or year groups. Our plans are carefully sequenced, with learning objectives for each lesson referenced to our whole school curriculum document. Relevant and age-appropriate scientific vocabulary is taught within each unit of work to enable children to articulate scientific concepts clearly and precisely. The teaching of Science at the School may be as a whole class, in small groups or individual work.

    Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:

  • Science is taught in planned sequences of learning by the class teacher. Planning and teaching ensures that the needs of all children are met in each lesson.
  • Where possible we teach science across the curriculum to embed learning and prompt children to identify links across all subjects.
  • We plan for problem solving and real-life opportunities that enable 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.
  • Planning involves teachers creating practical, engaging lessons with opportunities for precise questioning in class to test knowledge and skills and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning.
  • Our curriculum is progressive. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years.
  • Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career, and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through Quality First Teaching.
  • Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning both in the community and the school grounds, and the National Trust woodland.
  • We also take inspiration from scientific ‘greats’, giving our pupils the opportunity to learn about scientific discoveries from the past and inspire our pupils to achieve incredible things in life.

    • How We Know Children Are Learning Well

    The successful approach to the teaching of science at Sherborne results in a fun, engaging, high quality science education. It ensures progress, retention of knowledge and provides children with the foundations for understanding the world that they can take with them once they complete their primary education. We provide memorable experiences that encourage children to be curious thinkers and intelligent questioners. Children take pride in their science work and are able to discuss their learning confidently

    The impact of teaching and learning Science is shown through confident scientists asking questions, making predictions, following lines of enquiry, drawing conclusions and making generalisations.

    We recognise and assess how successfully the school's aims are met through every day monitoring carried out by class teachers and teaching assistants. This is done through observation, marking and feedback, discussions with the children and information gleaned from online platforms.

    The Science subject leader will monitor standards through lesson observations, pupil conferences and planning audits.

    Three times a year (Autumn Term, Spring Term, Summer Term), teachers make formal judgements of the children's attainment and progress in Science. This is submitted to the subject leader for review and discussed with the the Headteacher. During this meeting, any support needed is identified and action plans are amended.