Science at Oakley Infant School
Intent
At Oakley Infant School, our broad and balanced science curriculum aims to stimulate and excite pupils’ interests about the world around them. Our science learning aims to develop the pupils' knowledge, skills and understanding; enabling pupils to recall and apply knowledge. The pupils are given opportunities to develop a wide range of skills in the different aspects of science: animals including humans, living things and their habitats, plants, seasonal changes and everyday materials and their uses. We strive to plan practical experiences with key knowledge which will engage all learners and stimulate critical and creative thought. Working scientifically’ is at the core of our learning as we give every child the opportunity to confidently explore and discover, be curious, ask their own questions and record their findings. Our children leave Oakley Infant School with experiences that will enable them to think scientifically and problem solve enabling them to make valid contributions to our Oakley community and the wider world, creating lifelong learners.
Implementation
We use the learning journey concept to develop the skills of scientific enquiry through practical application. This would enable children to acquire a range of skills, including investigation, experimentation, observation, questioning and problem solving to help them to think scientifically and encourage them to become independent in their learning by exploring answers to their questions.
Science is taught both through topics and in discreet lessons. Scientific enquiry is integrated where possible in the topic but taught discretely where this is not suitable or relevant. Teaching will strive to provide opportunities for children to think practically, logically and intuitively whilst allowing them time to reflect upon their learning. The local environment including the school grounds and local area is used extensively to support learning where relevant. Children will learn to respect the environment, living things and their own safety, developing a sense of responsibility and curiosity. They are encouraged to develop a positive attitude and open mindedness to new ideas, experience and language to work collaboratively to find out about the world around them. They are helped to understand the everyday experiences they have and encouraged to ask questions about information they are given.
Impact
Children not only acquire the age related knowledge for science but also are also equipped with the wider skills linked to scientific enquiry and investigation plus a richer vocabulary to enable them to articulate their understanding. Develop a sense of curiosity to promote lifelong learning.
This is measured by: