"Pupils are proud of the impressive array of knowledge that they develop over time. They put this knowledge to effective use across the curriculum."
Learning and Curriculum

Science

Statement of Intent for Science

Science embodies the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the natural world and beyond through the process of rigorous testing, observation and experimentation, which constantly challenge and build upon prior discoveries.  This process results in technological advancements through the application of Science within engineering, which in turn has a profound impact on the world around us. Consequently, we believe that it is our duty to further develop this Science capital through the study of a diverse range of scientists, noting how these key individuals contributed to their fields.

Our Science Curriculum challenges us to develop children who understand what Science is, what it is for and its relevance in the world around us.  We aim to nurture and develop their inquisitive nature in order to advance their knowledge using scientific vocabulary in order to discuss and confidently question the world around them, as they explore new concepts using a practical, ‘hands-on’ approach through scientific enquiry.  Overall, we strive to expose the children to have a deeper understanding of the world, widening their opportunities for science capital and fostering a life-long love of Science and STEM.

At Masefield, Science is taught as a discrete subject in order that the development of knowledge, vocabulary and scientific enquiry skills are taught both meaningfully and explicitly. Naturally, links are made to other areas of the curriculum, especially English, Mathematics, Design Technology and Computing, but this does not dilute the quality and entitlement of high quality Science teaching.

 

Science Curriculum

The school’s long-term plan for Science follows the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 National Curriculum (2014) and sets out the content of teaching within in each year group. This is supported by the school’s Science progression document which demonstrates learning outcomes and expectations for Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Working Scientifically within each Science stand and subsequent units of work. Short term planning details how this content is developed over a series of lessons within the unit of work.  The organisation of the Science curriculum provides structured opportunities for pupils to:

  • Develop and use key scientific vocabulary within their correct contexts.

  • Explore concepts and dispel common misconceptions through the use of investigation.

  • Explore the world around them, developing their understanding of key physical and biological processes.

  • Approach Science through practical scientific enquiry, through the process of enquire, explore, record and explain.

  • Opportunities for working scientifically are provided, using a combination of observation over time, pattern seeking, identifying, classifying and grouping, comparative and fair testing and research using secondary sources of information.

  • Devise their own lines of enquiry, which can be planned and subsequently implemented.

  • Understand the essential role of Mathematics as a quantifiable source of evidence for scientific understanding.

  • Understand the role of Science in the wider world, including its cultural impact on our everyday lives.

  • Develop their Science capital through their understanding of the work of scientists and naturalists, from a range of times and cultures, understanding how their discoveries contribute to the cumulative nature of scientific understanding. This is covered through year-group unit linked scientists.

Science Curriculum

 

Science Policy

Science Policy

 

Knowledge Organisers for Science

Below is an example knowledge organiser from each year group for Science:

Year One - Seasonal Change

Year Two - Living Things and their Habitats

Year Three - Rocks

Year Four - Sound

Year Five - Forces

Year Six - Animals including humans

These are sent home each half term as part of the curriculum overviews. EYFS Knowledge Organisers can be found in the EYFS tab.

 

High quality texts underpinning our Science curriculum

To support the teaching of Science here at Masefield, we have developed a collection of books that all children in our school are to experience and enjoy. We aim to immerse our children in a range of texts, specifically chosen by our staff to ensure that children hear the best stories read aloud to them by their teachers for pleasure, to excite and inspire our children and support the development of knowledge and skills in Science.

Our Award Winning Provision for Science

Primary Science Quality Mark - Achieved September 2020

Primary Science Quality Mark (PQSM) is a year long CPD programme that helps schools to achieve a quality mark. It focuses on developing effective, confident science leadership for whole school impact on science teaching and learning. The Primary Science Quality Mark enables science subject leaders to develop and articulate a clear intent and aspirational vision for science.

The process of achieving a PSQM raises the profile and quality of science across the whole school. It supports subject leaders to effectively implement a curriculum for science that is informed by research evidence and best practice data. PQSM also ensures strong and positive impact; children make good progress, building and consolidating their knowledge and skills, developing positive attitudes about science and its value to their lives and globally.

Other Relevant Information

Below you will find more information relevant to the teaching of Science at Masefield Primary School.

At Masefield, there are many opportunities for year groups to participate in activities led by external visitors within school. These memorable experiences provide opportunities for our children to engage with a wider range of scientific phenomena, which complement and extend children’s learning. As well as providing stimulating activities based around the scientific content of the National Curriculum, workshops and visitors enable our children to gain an insight in the possibilities of a career in science, thereby increasing pupils’ science capital. Partaking in real life science within a range of different contexts, beyond science lessons, allows children to gain hands on activities and unforgettable learning experiences.  

We make good use of the outdoor facilities within and beyond our school community. The immediate school grounds enable us to compare and contrast animals and plants in different habitats during different seasons. Our school allotment provides opportunities for us to observe plants first hand, as well as helping us forge links with members of our local community. For activities such as pond dipping, which cannot be conducted within our immediate locality, we travel to other locations. To support our work across all year groups, regarding the ‘Humans and other animals’ strands of the National Curriculum, we invite external agencies into school to enable all our children to observe animals close up. We also have our very own chickens at Masefield Primary School - Priscilla, Dorothy and Evelyn!

Science Clubs run throughout the year, providing opportunities for children wishing to partake in extra -curricular science activities.  The clubs focus on ‘Working Scientifically’, revisiting and recapping key skills, as well as providing a platform to lay the foundations for future learning and a range of exciting opportunities.

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