At Garden Fields, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires. 

The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence. 

At Garden Fields, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the 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;
• be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
• develop their essential enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.
• use a range of methods to communicate their ideas and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts.
• develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.
• develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of learning and discovery.

 The National Curriculum provides a structure and skill development for the science curriculum being taught throughout the school. Curriculum Maestro, alongside supplementary schemes, provide a creative scheme of work, which reflect a balanced programme of study. At Garden Fields, children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, using various programmes of study and resources. In Early years, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences.

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;

• Science will be taught in planned and arranged topics by the class teacher, to have a thematic based approach where possible.
• Existing knowledge is checked at the beginning of each topic as part of the Knowledge Organiser introduction. This ensures that teaching is informed by the children’s starting points and that it takes account of pupil voice, incorporating children’s interests and existing knowledge.
• Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children to apply their knowledge and find out answers for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess pupils regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning. Tasks are selected and designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners.
• We build upon the knowledge and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results. They become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
• Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure that skills are systematically developed throughout the children’s school journey, and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years in keeping with the topics.
• Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment and the various Working Scientifically skills, in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning.

Regular events such as Science Week, or focused workshops, allow all pupils to come off-timetable, to provide broader provision and the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills.

Science learning at Garden Fields results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. The impact of this curriculum design will lead to outstanding progress over time, across key stages, relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave Garden Fields reaching at least age related expectations for Science. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts our Science curriculum will lead pupils to be enthusiastic Science learners and understand that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. We want to empower our children so they understand they have the capability to change the world. This is evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their work and their enjoyment for science.

Mrs Hyland (KS2) & Miss Ellwood (KS1) are the Science Subject Coordinators.