Science

Aims
Through high-quality science teaching, we aim to help our pupils learn about the world around them and understand the role of science in our everyday lives. Moreover, we aim to prepare our pupils for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world. We aim to do this by: 
•    Delivering high quality, interesting and engaging science lessons; 
•    Using scientific contexts to develop and consolidate cross curricular skills in literacy, Maths and ICT
•    Teaching science in a global and historical context; including the contributions of significant scientists from a range of cultures
•    Developing and extending pupils’ scientific knowledge and understanding 
•    Developing pupils’ ability to work scientifically and involve pupils in planning, carrying out and evaluating investigations 
•    Developing pupils’ scientific vocabulary and ability to articulate scientific concepts clearly and precisely
•    Ensuring that all pupils are appropriately challenged to make good progress in science. 
Planning
•    Science in the Early Years Foundation Stage is planned using the Early Years Curriculum ‘Understanding of the World’
•    Teachers plan science lessons using the new National Curriculum (2014) for guidance and the Astra Zeneca scheme of work. These STRATA (Science To Raise And Track Achievement) materials are created specifically for SEN pupils.
•     Refer to the programme of study overview for details of the specific areas of learning covered in each class annually. 
•    Suggested activities are included to address the issue of age appropriateness and the fact that pupils may revisit the topic many times.
•    Science units are taught discretely or linked to class topics where possible
•    All science lessons have focused learning objectives for both subject knowledge and enquiry skills and clear differentiation and success criteria to ensure that pupils progress is assessed and measured.
•    ‘Working scientifically’ is embedded throughout the areas of learning in all classes; this focuses on the key aspects of scientific enquiry which enable pupils to investigate and answer scientific questions
Refer to Science enquiry skills for progression of skills from P6-P4 
Monitoring and Assessment
•    Achievements are recorded using a wide variety of methods providing all children with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. 
•    In EYFS all work is directly linked to the EYFS curriculum
•    The Dashboard is a series of I Can statements and is used to assess, measure and track progress in the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics and enquiry.
Refer to Hawthorns Science Policy for further details