Sherwood Park Primary School

‘Every child has an enquiring mind about the world and their place in it.'

Science is at the base of everything in our universe. Science at Sherwood Park, aims to provide pupils with the skills to investigate natural curiosities within their daily life and develop an ability to carry our scientific enquiry in order to discover new concepts for themselves. It will also open up pupil’s awareness to scientific events that shaped our world and changed the society we live in, in a hope to actively inspire them to change our future for the better. Through questioning and regular investigations, pupils will grow a natural curiosity and develop a desire to use these skills across all subjects. Through using ‘Switched on Science’ we are able to provide pupils with great opportunities that link to the National curriculum.

Intent

• To make sure children are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. 
• To encourage risk taking
• To encourage problem solving and scientific enquiry individually and as part of a team
• To build on prior knowledge about the world around them and their place in it
• To apply the skills acquired within science to cross-curricular topics, allowing children to use their skills to reflect on and explore topics in greater depth
• To encourage healthier lifestyles – promoting healthy eating, the human body and taking care of the environment

Implementation

• One teacher responsible for the overview of science
• CPD offered to staff as and when they require it, both online and in staff meetings.
• The equivalent of 6 full science lessons taught each term. (Some blocked)

• Links to other topics in other subjects (e.g. volcanoes, rocks)
• Opportunities given for the children to explore the school and local area.
• All school values referred to throughout science lessons
• Science week
• Eco- warrior club once a week
• Access to pond area and forest school area for science lessons
• Plenty of opportunity for discussion and building upon previous learning.
• Problem solving lessons, filled with scientific enquiry each term.

Impact

• More children will achieve age related expectations in science and other subjects such as English and maths
• Children enjoy learning in science lessons
• Children will retain knowledge through hands on learning experiences which are often more memorable
• Risk taking and problem solving, that takes place in the Science lessons, continues in the classroom and children’s confidence and self-esteem is raised
• Children will develop resilience when working scientifically
• Children will become confident when discussing scientific enquiry