Intent

In Swanton Abbott it is our intent to develop in all young people a lifelong curiosity and interest in the sciences. When planning for the science curriculum, we intend for children to have the opportunity, wherever possible, to learn through varied systematic investigations, leading to them being equipped for life to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them. As children progress through the year groups, they build on their skills in working scientifically, as well as on their scientific knowledge, as they develop greater independence in planning and carrying out fair and comparative tests to answer a range of scientific questions. Children will have a well thought out and in-depth route through the school, where they will have a rich and varied science curriculum to investigate and discover the world around them.

  Implementation

The learning environment will evidence the teaching of science through large wall displays, scientific vocabulary displayed and scientific sources on offer for children to use. The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. Key vocabulary will be displayed and interweave throughout the science curriculum to enable children to revisit and use appropriate language throughout their school journey in science. The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons. Scientific knowledge and enquiry skills are developed with increasing depth and challenge as children move through the year groups. Key assessment questions and focuses are identified in the planning and the outcomes will relate to these to show the level of understanding gained. These allow teachers to assess children's levels of understanding at various points in the lesson. They also enable opportunities to recap concepts where necessary. Activities are effectively differentiated so that all children have an appropriate level of support and challenge. High quality teaching is supported with effective plans and support resources, as well as comprehensive sets of equipment that is required for the teaching of in depth investigations.

Impact

To encourage critical thinking and investigating concepts that arise for the children, where they are able to use the knowledge they have gained and use it to push the boundaries of scientific thinking and development. Science will be the lessons they look back on with fondness and reminisce on the discoveries they have made and the links they have made between science and the world around them.