Willoughton Primary School

Science

At Willoughton Primary School, we are committed to creating life-long learners who will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to contribute positively to an ever-changing world. Our vision is to create budding, confident scientists, with inquisitive, questioning minds and well developed critical-thinking skills.  We recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life and aim to foster engaged exploration, considered inquiry and reflective evaluation so that children can develop a full understanding of the knowledge and skills essential to successful learning in science and in their ongoing life.

Statement of Intent

At Willoughton Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires. The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

At Willoughton Primary School, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding.

• Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. Including pattern seeking, research, fair testing, observation over time, and identifying and classifying.

• Be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
• Develop the essential working scientifically enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.
• Use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts.
• Develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.
• Develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.

Children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, using various programmes of study and resources. In Early years, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them and is linked to personal experiences and play. Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as Science days for children, Science fairs and educational visits linked to the Science curriculum, such as to the beach.

We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences.