We are Scientists!

Science is a significant part of human culture and plays an important role in helping children understand the world around them. At Flamstead Village School, Science provides opportunities to develop language, logic and problem-solving skills through shared investigation and discovery.

Intent

Science is a key part of our curriculum and is taught both as a discrete subject and through cross-curricular learning. Our aim is to provide all pupils with a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and understanding while embedding the skills of scientific enquiry. We believe pupils learn science best through investigation, observation and hands-on experiences, both in and beyond the classroom.

Through our teaching, pupils develop strong scientific literacy and confidence in communicating their ideas using accurate scientific vocabulary. They learn to research, question and evaluate information, enabling them to discuss and challenge ideas thoughtfully.

Pupils also learn about significant scientists throughout history, and how their discoveries have shaped our world. By exploring the processes and methods of science, we aim to inspire curiousity, encourage enquiry and help pupils recognise the relevance of science in everyday life.

Implementation

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in Science, we implement a progressive, hands-on and enquiry-based curriculum across the whole school.

At Flamstead Village School, we use the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) and the National Curriculum (NC) to ensure we meet national expectations for science learning in a primary setting. In the Early Years, Science is taught through the 'Understanding the World' area of learning within the EYFS. Teachers use this alongside their knowledge of the pupils to inform the Flamstead Village School EYFS curriculum.

From Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2, Science is taught through discrete weekly lessons, informed by the National Curriculum, supported by the pH Primary Science Scheme of Work. Wherever possible, learning is enquiry-based, providing opportunities for pupils to experiment, investigate and ask meaningful scientific questions to deepen their understanding.

Additional opportunities to enrich science learning include:

• Outdoor learning
• Continue provision in EYFS
• Educational visits (eg., Kew Gardens)
• External workshop and visitors (eg., Body Workshop)
• Science Week
• Super Scientists
• Space Week

Impact

The impact of our science curriculum is that pupils develop a secure understanding of scientific knowledge and enquiry skills, enabling them to think critically, ask questions and explore the world around them. Pupils leave Flamstead Village School with a strong foundation in Science and the confidence to continue their learning at secondary school.

Through engaging, practical and enquiry-based learning, pupils become curious, reflective learners who are able to communicate their ideas using appropriate scientific vocabulary. They develop the skills to investigate, observe, analyse results and draw conclusions.

Assessment in Science is ongoing and supported through the school's Marking & Feedback Policy. Teachers also use a range of formative and summative assessment strategies, such as quizzes, practical tasks, discussions and written work, to evaluate pupils' understanding.