Intent

At Field Lane JIN School we aim to deliver a high quality science curriculum which creates curiosity, awe and wonder. We want our pupils to see themselves as scientists, feeling empowered to ask questions about the world around them. We teach pupils the skills and knowledge they need to become inquisitive and analytical. 

Our curriculum is centred on enquiry. We encourage pupils to develop their natural curiosity by asking questions and investigating through different types of scientific enquiry. Our hands-on practical science teaching ensures that all pupils develop their disciplinary knowledge, which in turn further deepens their substantive knowledge. Our scientists are challenged to solve problems by using and applying their skills and knowledge, by working collaboratively, through investigating, researching and evaluating experiences. It will provide the opportunity to apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science by collecting, presenting and analysing data. Children will be immersed in key scientific vocabulary which supports their knowledge and understanding. 

As scientists our children link their science learning to their own experiences. They become scientists in their homes and local environments. Our Scientists of the future are exposed to a range of learning experiences from enrichment activities to meeting STEM ambassadors. We want them to have no limits to what their ambitions are- astronauts, forensic scientists, chemists or marine biologists.

Implementation

Our Science programme of study begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage. By following the statutory framework 2021, activities and experiences are set out under the following areas of learning: Understanding of the world, Communication and language and Personal, social and emotional development. 

Children explore their environment outdoors and indoors observing the changing seasons, plants and animals. They take part in open ended investigative work within all the continuous provision areas, growing their skills and interests. Children are motivated to ask questions about why things happen and how things work. Children participate in cookery and baking sessions which allows them to experience changes in state as ingredients are mixed, heated and cooled.

In Years 1 to 6, Science is taught in weekly discrete lessons. The ‘Switched On Science’ scheme is used as a basis for planning. We build on children’s prior knowledge and build in retrieval opportunities, allowing for misconceptions to be addressed. Lessons are hands-on and practical and draw upon working scientifically skills which are embedded within each unit. Our Science sessions allow children to investigate, solve problems and present their findings. 

Children are given further opportunities to solve problems and apply and retrieve their knowledge in Smart Time sessions. These sessions offer many benefits including taking part in enrichment activities, working with a focused group, an opportunity to retrieve knowledge and targeting children with specific needs. 

Scientific activities give strong motivation for the growth and purposeful use of literacy and mathematical skills. Vocabulary skills are enhanced through science, therefore developing language skills. Science working walls display topic vocabulary and teachers regularly refer to these. Children are encouraged to use ‘science words’ in their written and verbal communication. Mathematical skills are taught and applied when children observe and take measurements using equipment, and record and present evidence. Every Year group displays the 5 types of science enquiry posters, making enquiry the centre of our learning. 

Science learning is kept alive by taking learning outside, inviting in visitors and holding workshops. Regular Science events such as Science fairs, Change project, clubs and Science week are a buzz in school and often involve parents, local high schools and the community. Children visit farms and regularly face time with a farmer.  We have joined with Leeds and Bradford Universities to conduct scientific research and develop teaching materials on microorganisms, physical and dental health.

Teachers set high expectations for all pupils. They will use appropriate assessment to set ambitious targets and plan challenging work for all groups, including:

•   More able pupils
•   Pupils with low prior attainment
•   Pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds
•   Pupils with SEN
•   Pupils with English as an additional language (EAL)

Teachers will plan lessons so that pupils with SEN and/or disabilities can study every subject, wherever possible, and ensure that there are no barriers to every pupil achieving.

Teachers use inclusive high quality teaching to meet the needs of all pupils through an adapted curriculum

Teachers will also take account of the needs of pupils whose first language is not English. 

Further information can be found in our statement of equality information and objectives, and in our SEN policy and information report.

Impact

Our approach to Science enables children to  develop an understanding of the key domains of knowledge and make links between the different areas of knowledge. With science having a high status at our school, children will be motivated to take a further interest in science when they leave primary school. Children and their families meet positive role models from various agencies such as the Leeds dental institute, STEM ambassadors and Cummins Turbo technologies and learn about possible careers in Science. 

The impact of this curriculum design will lead to outstanding progress over time, across key stages, relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills and knowledge. Children will therefore be expected to leave Field Lane reaching at least age related expectations for Science.

Our children develop into young Scientists who gain knowledge by asking questions, conducting and gathering research. They then use their knowledge to understand the world around them and make sense of the issues facing our planet. They will present their findings on how we can make a positive impact on the wider world.