Science

Intent, Implementation and Impact Statement

Intent

At Ilmington C of E Primary School we value the importance of science as a core subject and as being fundamental in learners’ understanding of the world around them. We intend to ignite ambition in our learners through science lessons that are engaging, memorable and relevant. Through different types of scientific enquiry and well-planned learning opportunities, learners will be guided to create and answer their own questions about the natural and man-made world around them. We aim to increase the cultural capital of our learners by encouraging them to talk about their learning and be confident in using scientific vocabulary. In order to make learning relevant, topics are planned to incorporate learning about key scientists throughout history and how their discoveries shaped the understanding we have today. Furthermore, by exposing our learners to careers that link to their learning we hope to inspire them to strive for ambitious careers in the future. Our aim is for learners to leave our school as confident, knowledgeable, excited scientists.

Our Science curriculum:

Encourages children to think about and question the world around them
Supports children in the learning of key science vocabulary, with which they can discuss their learning with confidence
Enables children work collaboratively and independently
Supports children to develop their working scientifically skills and build on these as they move through the year groups at out school.

Implementation

Using the National Curriculum as a basis and through Cornerstones Maestro as a resource we have designed our science curriculum. This is documented through individual knowledge organisers for each topic. Teachers plan each unit using a range of quality resources and according to the progression documents. Scientific enquiry is at heart of each unit.
Science topics are taught in an order that makes sense in relation to other subjects and seasons.
Learners are provided with a road map at the beginning of each new topic which allows them to see the learning journey they will take over the course of a topic. Learners are encouraged to look back over their journey throughout the topic and reflect on what they have learned.
Lessons are adapted so that learners with additional needs can access the same quality education as their peers.
Where possible, lessons are planned to enable learners to learn through experiences.
We recognise the importance of learners applying their English skills across the curriculum, teachers also plan alternative ways for them to record their learning.
Understanding in science is assessed regularly through a variety of formative assessment methods. Misconceptions are addressed immediately and where necessary, teachers will adjust subsequent lessons based on their assessments.
Scientific enquiry takes place in every topic in every year group and there is a coherent progression in the development of these skills across the year groups.
Science resources at Ilmington have been audited and a dedicated area for resources was established. This allows teachers to easily access the resources required to implement a quality curriculum. When required new science resources can be purchased.
Where appropriate, high quality fiction and non-fiction texts are used to compliment science topics.

Impact

Most of our learners achieve age related expectations in science at the end of each year.
Learners retain their previous learning and build upon it in the future.
Learners feel confident to ask questions, suggest answers to questions and use scientific vocabulary when talking about their learning.
Learners feel confident to talk about their learning in science.