Science at Oakley Infant School

Intent

Children to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world we live in.

The teaching of science is fundamental to helping children to develop their knowledge and understanding of important ideas, processes, and skills and then relate these to their everyday experiences. We provide a curriculum with a strong emphasis of working scientifically, including first hand practical experience such as investigations, observation and enquiry, where this is not possible a variety of other resources will be used including I.T, videos and stories and non-fiction books.

We aim to

• Build on our children’s natural curiosity and develop a practical and scientific approach to problems.
• Help to foster a concern about, and active care for our environment.
• Develop our children’s social skills to work cooperatively with others.
• Provide our children with an enjoyable experience of science, so that they develop a sense of curiosity.
• Give our children an understanding of scientific processes and help them to acquire scientific skills.
• Develop the use of scientific language

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:

• Assessment of standards achieved against the planned outcomes
• Marking and feedback
• Children talking about their learning in Science confidently (Verbal feedback; Pupil conferencing).