Science

Science teaches an understanding of natural phenomena. It aims to stimulate a child’s curiosity in finding out why things happen in the way they do. It teaches methods of enquiry and investigation to stimulate creative thought. Children learn to ask scientific questions and begin to appreciate the way science will affect their future on a personal, national, and global level. 

The aim of science is to enable children to: 

• ask and answer scientific questions; 

• plan and carry out scientific investigations, using equipment correctly; 

• know and understand the life processes of living things; 

• know and understand the physical processes of materials, electricity, light, sound and natural forces; 

• know about the nature of the solar system, including the earth; 

• evaluate evidence and present their conclusions clearly and accurately. 

  
  

Curriculum and Coverage: 

The Science National Curriculum 2014 is followed at Oakdene Primary School. It is a core subject taught weekly and in Key Stages 1 and 2, the National Curriculum for Science is delivered using a plan devised by the subject leader using the NC programmes of study.   

‘Working scientifically’ specifies the understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science for each year group. It should not be taught as a separate strand but should be embedded within the content of biology, chemistry and physics, focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions. These types of scientific enquiry should include observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources. Pupils should seek answers to questions through collecting, analysing and presenting data. 

We use a variety of teaching and learning styles in science lessons. Our principal aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills, and understanding. Sometimes we do this through whole-class teaching, while at other times we engage the children in an enquiry-based research activity. We encourage the children to ask, as well as answer scientific questions. They have the opportunity to use a variety of data, such as statistics, graphs, pictures, and photographs. They use computing in science lessons where it enhances their learning. They take part in role-play and discussions and they present reports to the rest of the class. They engage in a wide variety of problem-solving activities. Wherever possible, we involve the pupils in ‘real’ scientific activities, for example, researching a local environmental problem or carrying out a practical experiment and analysing the results.  

We have planned the topics in Science so that they build upon prior learning. We ensure that there are opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge in each unit and we also build progression into the science long term plan, so that the children are increasingly challenged as they move up through the school.