Kersey CofE Primary School

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Science

INTENT, IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT

Intent

Our science curriculum is designed to give all of our children curiosity and interest in the science. We want them to have the opportunity to explore ideas and hypotheses through practical investigations, as well as building on their scientific knowledge. We will do this by helping them:

  • Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
  • Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
  • Learn the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
  • To develop learning behaviours within science to help children become proactive, determined, inventive and reflective.

Implementation

How is this subject planned?

  • The National Curriculum is taught in KS1 and KS2
  • In Early Years the Foundation Stage Curriculum is taught.
  • Long term planning for each class shows the progression of skills and areas of study.
  • SNAP Science scheme is used by each year group to ensure children are taught the key scientific concepts for each unit of work.
  • Longitudinal studies are planned in for Years R – 2 to allow children to make observations and collect data over time. 

How is this subject taught?

  • Science is taught in half-termly blocked units of work in each year group – when appropriate these are linked to the topics taught in class.
  • Wherever possible scientific knowledge is taught through exploration and investigation.
  • Children are given opportunities to apply English and maths skills to their learning in science.
  • Teachers are aware of the Health and Safety aspects of science investigations.
  • In Early Years children are given opportunities to learn scientific concepts through play. They develop their observational skills through discussion.

 

Impact

How is this subject assessed?

  • Teacher assessments are reported at the end of KS1 and KS2 based on the Standards and Testing Agency’s assessment frameworks.
  • A sample of schools across the country complete KS2 Science tests
  • By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study. Teachers make assessments accordingly.
  • Assessment of Science is reported to parents in the annual report.

How is this subject monitored?

  • The subject leader is responsible for
    monitoring the planning, teaching and
    assessment of the subject. This is achieved through book looks, pupil conferencing, questionnaires, discussions with teachers and liaison with governors.
  • Governors carry out regular monitoring visits in school and update the SGC via visit reports.
  • This subject is in focus once every three years. When in focus, an action plan is created to develop the subject. This is monitored by governors.

 

Cross Curricular Science

Gardening Club

In addition to the weekly science teaching, we are exciting and proud to be able to offer a gardening club throughout the summer period. This allows children from all year groups to grow their understanding of plant growth and care as well as investigating the wildlife and impact nature has on these processes. The children take pride and responsibility in growing their own flowers and vegetables which are shared with the school community.

Farming Partnership with Kersey Livestock

We are extremely lucky to be able to share that we have an amazing partnership with Kersey Livestock, a local family run farm. The Suffolk culture of farming is embedded within our school, right from our Suffolk sheep logo. As a rural school we take pride in caring and understanding our environment as well as showing a passion for our history and livelihoods before the contemporary world.

Sarah and Chris at Kersey Livestock kindly allow us to visit the farm termly to engage in farm activities that link to our school topics. For example, animal growth during Spring Term and the importance of crops and food during Harvest in the Autumn Term. The children learn valuable life and care skills as well as having the opportunity to ask questions to real farming heroes. We continue and embed knowledge learnt on farm days back in school during extended science activities and provision.

What else do we do?

Enrichment Day- CPR
Rearing and releasing our own butterflies
Creating lava lamps and colouring mixing
A day at the farm
Exploring local wildlife
Kersey Livestock day (termly)
Growing our own caterpillars
Growing  and propagating plants
Understanding animals

Useful Links

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