Intent
At Westwood Academy, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:
- Develop scientific substantive and disciplinary knowledge through the teaching of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of enquiries that help them to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them.
- Be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
- Use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including ICT, 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.
Implementation
Teachers create a positive attitude to Science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in Science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of Science involves the following:
- We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results. They become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
- Flashbacks are used regularly to support learners’ ability to retrieve and recall knowledge.
- Sticky triggers – Educational visits/outdoor learning, themed days and visiting experts make memorable learning experiences.
- Teachers use precise questioning in class to test knowledge and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up.
- Substantive and disciplinary knowledge are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career. New vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching.
- Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding.
- Monitoring of Science takes place with strengths and next steps identified through Subject Spotlights. Lesson visits, book looks and pupil voice are used to inform monitoring, assessment and judgements.
- Pupil voice is used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning of pupil’s views and attitudes to support the children’s enjoyment of Science.
Impact
The impact of our science curriculum is measured through pupil outcomes, book monitoring and pupil voice.
- Our pupils actively ask questions and are enthusiastic about exploring the world around them.
- Critical thinking skills are developed as our pupils engage in hands-on experiments and problem-solving activities, enhancing their ability to analyse information and draw informed conclusions.
- Practical application of knowledge becomes second nature, as our pupils gain valuable skills through experiments and real-world applications, connecting theory to practice.
- Environmental awareness is instilled, as our pupils explore topics related to ecosystems, conservation, and sustainability, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the planet. Our year 1 Eco-warriors have been busy collecting litter, creating posters and recycling cards to win a tree for our playground.
- Collaboration is encouraged through group projects and collaborative experiments, which has promoted effective communication and teamwork skills among our pupils.
- Diversity and inclusion are emphasised throughout our curriculum and events such as Science Week, Black History and Careers, highlighting a range of adults in STEM careers and encouraging all our pupils to pursue scientific interests. In our recent hands up survey, over 70% of pupils said that they would be interested in a STEM career when they grow up!