Science

Intent

Our intention when planning and delivering the science curriculum at Goldenhill Primary Academy is to foster and develop our pupils’ curiosity in the subject, whilst also helping them to fulfil their potential. Moreover, we aim to prepare our pupils for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world. We intend for learning in science to be through systematic investigations of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of their lives that rely mainly on first hand experiences, allowing children to become equipped to answer scientific questions about the world around them. It is our intention that, through investigative science, pupils at Goldenhill Primary Academy will continue to deepen their respect for the natural world and all its phenomena, and increase their care and appreciation of it.

We aim to:

• develop pupils’ enjoyment and interest in science
• develop an appreciation of its contribution to all aspects of everyday life
• build on pupils’ curiosity in, and sense of awe at, the natural world
• use a planned range of investigations and practical activities to give pupils a greater understanding of the concepts and knowledge of science
• introduce pupils to the language and vocabulary of science
• develop pupils’ basic practical skills and their ability to make accurate and appropriate measurements
• develop pupils’ use of computing in their science studies.
• extend the learning environment for our pupils via environmental areas and the locality
• promote a ‘healthy lifestyle’ in our pupils. 

Implementation

Science is taught progressively across the academy through 2 hour weekly sessions. Children’s knowledge and skills from previous year groups are explicitly built on each year, allowing the children to make links between current learning, and information and skills previously taught. Science teaching is well planned, with a range of learning styles and activities catered for. Science lessons throughout the Academy will include practical investigation, scientist study, comprehension activities, written activities, and group work. Children are given many opportunities to work scientifically, both independently and when supported by an adult.

Children are encouraged to engage with extra-curricular activities such as science clubs. In addition to this, science is considered closely when staff plan trips and visitors for the academic year, and every effort is made to ensure that children have access to out of classroom learning related to their science learning.

Impact

Children show a thirst for scientific knowledge and a thorough enjoyment for the subject. Children can evidence a range of skills while working scientifically, including observation, measurement, and analysis of results. Children remember and can discuss their investigations and what the results mean for science. Children have a range of subject-specific vocabulary, which allows them to discuss and explain scientific concepts and knowledge.

Teachers assess the children weekly during their science lessons via observations, questioning, and both verbal and written feedback while marking. At the end of a unit (or half term) teachers upload their teacher assessment, which outlines whether children are on track, working towards the standard, or above the standard.

Below are some useful online resources to continue to inspire your scientists at home. 

There are a range of ideas for at home experiments and activities to complete, in or outside of the house.