Science

What are we aiming for?

At High Hesket CE School we aim to foster and develop our pupils’ curiosity in science and to prepare them for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world. Science learning is planned through systematic investigations of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of their lives to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.

The skills of working scientifically are embedded in each unit of learning encompassing biology, chemistry and physics through an enquiry approach. The children will investigate, following lines of enquiry through observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources. The children will have opportunities to seek answers to questions through collecting, analysing and presenting data.

Science learning is planned into units, focusing on the different aspects of biology, physics and chemistry. Learning that is introduced in one key stage or phase is often re-visited and built on in a later phase of learning. Our progression in science document supports teachers in ensuring learning is pitched correctly and developed consistently, building on previous learning. Our Windows, Mirrors, Door approach to planning, teaching and learning science allows us to encourage pupils to comment and question, introduce key skills and knowledge, stretch the children’s ability to investigate to secure knowledge and transfer this learning to plan and execute their own scientific enquiries; reflecting on the outcomes. Learning experiences are vocabulary rich and it is expected that children use scientific vocabulary readily, explaining what they are learning with reasons why.

How do we get there?

In the downloads section below you will find the progression of skills and vocabulary for science. These documents show how science develops as the children move through the school. There may be amendments from year to year to allow for cohort sizes and the need for single age and mixed age classes.

We teach science in units across a half term, each unit linking to biology, chemistry or physics. Working scientifically is embedded in each unit across a range of contexts and opportunities. There is also the opportunity to use an additional 'making connections' unit to apply the use of scientific enquiry for each academic year and this will be deployed and used dependent on cohort and opportunities to meet enquiry objectives within other units for that year. Pupils explore science through different types of investigations, which build in terms of progression of skills, recording and analysing of results and drawing conclusions. They undertake investigations which allow them to: