Science

Quality of Education

At Uplands, we encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at our school and beyond in the wider world. The Science curriculum promotes a healthy curiosity in all children about our universe and encourages respect for the living and non-living things. This is in line with our Respect For All school motto and vision. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and promotes positive attitudes to learning.

Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit at Key Stage 2, as well as the application of scientific skills which are identified within our Progression of skills document and Whole school subject overview. We teach a broad and balanced science curriculum that is the entitlement of all Uplands children, regardless of their ethnic origin, gender, class, aptitude or disability. We promote the UN convention of the rights of the child and encourage support all our children to understand differences both scientifically and morally.

We ensure that the working scientifically skills are built-up on and developed throughout children’s time at our school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently. Children are encouraged to be independent learners, ask answer questions and all staff promote positive learning behaviours to move their learning forward.

Science is taught by class / cover teachers once a week during an afternoon session. Staff plan and deliver lessons that follow the 2014 National curriculum objectives in unit blocks. (See topic overview)

Children are:

Taught in mixed ability class groups – where children are able to work independently, in pairs or as a group- depending on the planned activity.
Taught Science enquiry skills through practical investigations under the principles of the Science Ninja scheme
Taught subject specific vocabulary and overlearn this throughout the unit. Children can make references to displays that help support children with understanding.
Given opportunities to broaden their writing experiences within Science (See progression in writing skills document)
Given opportunities to develop writing skills – showing progression through the years.
Given written tasks that meet the needs of all children. Those who require further support may receive this through scaffolded work. Further thinking questions and challenges are available to broaden the children’s scientific thinking and to deepen their understanding.

Assessment and monitoring

The science champion ensures a robust Science curriculum is being taught through a progressive and engaging curriculum. It is the role of the Champion to ensure continuity across the school and this is carried out through the following opportunities: book trawls, learning walks, pupil voice and staff voice.

By implementing the intent children should be confident in the following areas of Science:

Children are inquisitive about scientific ideas and are confident learners when asking and answering questions.
Children are assertive learners who want to explore ideas and investigate questions for themselves (particularly during Science Week)
The Science teaching at Uplands inspires learners who take risks and are not afraid to make mistakes and adjust practical work as required.

The assessment of Science is through a cold and hot task model which may take on the form of a mini assessment, a quiz, and KWL. Teachers use this information as well as marking of books and informal pupil observations in lessons to inform teacher assessments.