Brookvale Primary School

Science is a core subject in the National Curriculum for both Key Stage 1 and 2.  Science is also incorporated into the Foundation Stage through teaching and learning in practical topic related activities and experiences.  The intent of our Science Curriculum aims to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically. We want them to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of th e uses and implications of Science, today and for the future. Our aims and objectives in teaching science are to teach science in line with the National Curriculum 2014 guidelines working scientifically and to ensure t to develop scientific knowledge and he children are equipped with scientific knowledge required to understand the and into the future.

The emphasis is on fun, engaging activities and is ambitious for all pupils. We want children to see science as an enjoyable experience. They will be given opportunities to work individually and cooperatively, listening to, and valuing, the opinions of others. Teachers will use a range of resources to help to plan their lessons, with a heavy emphasis on the Plymouth scheme of learning.  Planning will build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. Working scientifically will be embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s time at Brookvale. Children will learn build up a range of vocabulary and will observe, question, hypothesise, plan, measure, construct fair tests, communicate and draw conclusions. Science weeks, visits and specialists will be used to complement and broaden the curriculum. Teachers w ill spend time working with the whole class, groups and individuals through interactive teaching and questioning and will encourage children to investigate and question within the topics studied.  Foundation Stage science is taught through knowledge and un derstanding of the World throughout the week. Children of all abilities can benefit from the study of science. Where children have special educational needs these should be catered for by planning for differentiation. It may be necessary to seek further guidance from the subject leader, SENCO and other agencies. Teachers will be aware of any physical disability that may affect a child’s performance and make appropriate provision. Teachers will have access to training to support their needs and help them to deliver the National Curriculum effectively.   Work will be stored in their Science Books with Progression Planning Documents to begin each unit.  Work will be dated with a learn ing objective which links directly to the National Curriculum targets. Resources are kept centrally in the science cupboards, located near the Year 6 classroom.  All equipment is labelled depending on the area of science it is used for.  The resources are subject appropriate. Consideration for health and safety is taken into account before a topic is introduced in the classroom.  The curriculum guidelines within each topic are taken into account with reference to HES Health and Safety guidelines. The ‘Be Safe’ handbook, from the ASE, is also followed; this can be found in the science cupboard or is available from the science subject leader .