At Blaydon West Primary School, we place a great emphasis on teaching science; our curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. Within science, we strive to create a supportive and collaborative ethos for learning by providing opportunities for children to question and investigate, to discover answers for themselves and take their learning in a direction they are interested in. Children start school with a natural curiosity and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them. They should be encouraged to explore their own ideas about the natural and man made world, while developing an awareness of how to respect the environment.

The Science subject leader is responsible for the curriculum design, delivery and impact in this subject. This includes regularly reviews to ensure that it is being implemented well and coverage and breadth and balance, is adequate.

• To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in science we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school.
• Teachers plan lessons for their class using a progression of knowledge and skills document, which incorporates Working Scientifically.
• Before planning a unit of work, teachers assess children’s prior knowledge and understanding to ensure work is pitched at the correct level, as well as to address any misconceptions.
• We provide a variety of opportunities for science learning inside and outside the classroom. Learning outside of the classroom, especially in our school allotment setting, is an essential part to learning science. It is essential children observe and immerse themselves in their local environment to apply their learning practically to real-life situations, particularly nature and wildlife preservation, given our current climate.
• Children explore different ways in which to experiment including: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources, with the aim that by KS2 children should be equipped to devise their own investigations.
• Children carry out an investigation at least once per topic. Each year group follows a particular investigative format to help enable a natural progression of skills across the school.
• Opportunities for children to apply their mathematical knowledge in science- including collecting, presenting and analysing data are incorporated in to lessons.
• Lessons are linked to other areas of the curriculum where appropriate i.e. design and technology, computing, history and geography, to ensure cross curricular learning.
• Teachers present key knowledge and vocabulary clearly, and effectively model and teach skills.
• Lessons are exciting and engaging and where possible are relevant and meaningful to the children of Blaydon West.
• Teachers make good use of ‘big questions’ as a stimulus to provoke curiosity and intrigue.
• Misconceptions are addressed through marking, verbal feedback, adapting planning.
• CPD is used to support teacher knowledge and pedagogy.
• Teachers make good use of topic overviews (which includes the non-statutory guidance taken from the National Curriculum) to help them plan for progression.
• Activities such as clubs, workshops, and whole –school science weeks are regularly organised in order to expose children to experts/professionals in STEM.

In our Early Years Foundation Stage, we aim to:

• Develop curiosity and wonder through first hand experiences.
• Provide children with opportunities to explore, observe and find out about themselves and the world around them.
• Develop children’s ability to notice patterns, make comparisons and talk about change.
• Follow the children’s interests to ensure they have opportunities to explore and develop their own ideas.

In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, children study the National Curriculum for Science and we aim to:

• To engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, investigate and think critically about the world around them.
• Enable children to develop their skills of co operation through working with others, and to encourage where possible, ways for children to explore science in forms which are relevant and meaningful to them.
• Encourage and enable pupils to offer their own suggestions, and to be creative in their approach to science; devising their own investigations, asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them.
• Equip children with the language to be able to discuss their learning and confidently explain their scientific understanding.