Science
Our rationale for Science has been formed through the process of thinking about our children and their specific needs and in conjunction with information from the Association of Science Education and the Ofsted Research Review series: Science.
Our Intent:
At Ursula Taylor C of E School we value Science as a discrete subject, which offers our children a superb opportunity to explore, investigate and experience the world around them. Science is a wonderful subject, which gives children the chance to ask questions, be interested, make connections and try out their ideas.
All children are provided with a rich curriculum offer and an opportunity to develop their Disciplinary knowledge (Knowledge of how scientific knowledge is generated and grows) and Substantive knowledge (knowledge of the products of Science, such as concepts, laws, theories and models.) through well planned and engaging lessons.
Our children are inquisitive, curious and flourish when provided with practical activities. Through a well planned, sequential curriculum our children, right from the Early Years are exposed to a wide range of vocabulary and phenomena, which involve asking questions, testing ideas and drawing conclusions.
We intend that all children will:
- Develop Scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Develop an understanding of nature, processes and methods of Science through different Science enquiries that help them answer scientific questions about the world around them.
- Are equipped with the Scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
At UTS we use the PZAZ Science Scheme of work across our school. PZAZ provides a complete coverage of the National Curriculum, ensuring that 'Working Scientifically' is embedded within the teaching and learning.
Vocabulary is progressive and learning is assessed through quizzes and simple assessments designed to support teachers when determining children's progress and identifying misconceptions or next steps.
PZAZ provides us with great professional development for our staff and supports our Science Leadership Team to monitor and evaluate our curriculum provision across the school.
Our Implementation:
Teachers create a positive attitude to the Teaching and Learning of Science and create opportunities for children to be exposed to high quality vocabulary and well planned and sequenced lessons.
Science at Ursula Taylor is usually taught as a standalone subject. Sometimes the units link especially well to our topics, so teachers will create links to History / Geography etc. E.g. 'Oh I do like to be beside the seaside' in Year 1 which links to Seasonal Changes.
Each unit begins with a mini assessment to determine children's knowledge / prior learning. This then contributes to planning to provide opportunities for over learning and retrieval. Key vocabulary is built upon and extended and then used through out the unit lessons and on the knowledge organiser document.
Throughout lessons teachers use a range of questions, quizzes and activities to revisit learning and assess children's progress. Lessons are planned to be progressive and sequential to support children to build their skill and knowledge of different areas.
Teachers demonstrate how to use Scientific Equipment and how to investigate using skills linked to 'Working Scientifically'. Outside spaces and the natural environment are used where possible to enhance to curriculum and within the key areas of 'growing'.
At UTS we recognise and take part in the annual event of British Science Week. Our staff and children spend the week exploring new areas and broadening their understanding of scientific phenomena. More information about British Science Week can be found at: https://www.britishscienceweek.org/
STEM - At UTS we provide our children with different opportunities to see Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths as a positive, innovative and interesting field. This is part of our provision to enrich our curriculum and to also inspire our children to see that a future career within STEM is something that many people would enjoy and aspire to.
At UTS we also also embarking on a journey to work towards achieving the 'Primary Science Quality Mark' which will support us to continue to raise the profile of Science and increase the quality of our provision, whilst providing our children with rich and engaging experiences.
We also make good use of websites such as 'Explorify' https://explorify.uk/ which has a broad range of activities, videos and ideas to deepen thinking and act as a stimulus for discussion / investigation.
Our Impact:
The provision at Ursula Taylor results in children who enjoy Science, are interested in finding things out and engage in exploring and investigating with a sense of curiosity. Our children engage with the natural world and learn about a broad range of scientific skills, knowledge and phenomena.
Through workshops, trips and exploration our children have a good understanding about how Science has changed our lives and the lives of people all over the world.
We want the curriculum provision and STEM opportunities to foster a sense of ambition and aspiration, teaching our children about the positive role in the world of STEM and the possible careers open to them in the future.
Children at UTS enjoy Science and are motivated to be curious and 'find out more'.