Science @ St. Bart’s

At St. Bart’s, we encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school leading them to be able to carry this on in the future. The science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for living and non-living things. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes.

 

Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.

At St. Bart’s we want our children to be the best scientists that they can be, curious about the world around them and inspired by the impact of Science in their lives. Key knowledge is taught alongside practical experiences where appropriate and children develop their working scientifically skills as they progress through school. Children are encouraged to become independent learners where possible and take pride in their achievements. Resilience is fostered through practical investigations. Children are encouraged to see the links between Science and other areas of the curriculum. When they leave St. Bart’s, all children should have the correct basic knowledge and key skills to access the KS3 Science curriculum at secondary school and be inspired to consider careers in Science based subjects.

In Early Years, opportunities for science based activities are identified from the curriculum and may be taught as a key focus, enhanced by practical learning through play opportunities.

Throughout all other year groups, the school has adopted the White Rose Science Scheme of Learning.  Activities are adapted to support or challenge children based on both their scientific understanding and ability to access the curriculum through reading or writing.

Most work is recorded in Science books but each class also has a ‘Floor Book’ to capture discussions and evidence of practical activities based on the 5 lines of enquiry.

A display board in each class is used as a learning wall to reinforce the acquisition of knowledge. At the end of each unit children complete an end of unit assessment to check knowledge and understanding in addition to application of working scientifically skills to inform teacher assessment.

LBQ activities are used to support the children in their understanding of vocabulary and retention of knowledge for each unit. At the start of each lesson children are given the opportunity to complete a flashback session which focuses on the children remembering key knowledge.

Each unit will contain some lessons that develop working scientifically skills. As they progress through school, children are given opportunities to plan and carry out their own investigations with greater independence.

At St. Bart’s, teachers have a number of ways to measure the impact of learning on the children. During a lesson they will use a range of different Assessment for Learning techniques.

During a unit of work children will have ways to consolidate the retention of knowledge through flashbacks, quizzes and online tasks such as LBQ. At the end of a unit of work the children complete an end of unit assessment. If the unit of work builds on previously gained knowledge, then the children will re-cap this key knowledge prior to starting the new unit.

The subject lead checks the impact of teaching and learning through planning and book scrutinies, pupil interviews, learning walks and ‘Cheese Testing’ – checking that the children are knowing more and remembering more in relation to the identified key knowledge.

Long Term Overview

Science Overview – additional details

Y1 Key Facts

Y2 Key Facts

Y3 Key Facts

Y4 Key Facts

Y5 Key Facts

Y6 Key Facts

Subject Content Linked to National Curriculum

Y1 Long Term Overview

Y2 Long Term Overview

Y3 Long Term Overview

Y4 Long Term Overview

Y5 Long Term Overview

Y6 Long Term Overview