Science

Intent

At Laburnum Primary School, we appreciate the importance of Science as one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, and give its teaching and learning the prominence it requires.

Science teaching is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and 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 Laburnum 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 through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics;

• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of scientific enquiry which help them 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;

• develop the essential scientific 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.​

Implementation

The National Curriculum provides the progression, structure and skill development for the science curriculum taught throughout the school. Where appropriate, links are made to termly topics or current affairs, to provide a creative, relevant and balanced programme of study. ​

At Laburnum Primary School, children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, following Developing Experts as the primary scheme of learning.  Due importance is given to the use of correct scientific vocabulary, and links are made with the statistics elements of the maths curriculum.  In Early years, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. A range of enrichment opportunities are provided in Science, including Science curriculum days, visits from "real life" science professionals, learning in our local environment and educational visits such as the National Space Centre.

We aim for our Science curriculum to provide the children with the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their scientific knowledge and skills in the next stage of their education and life experiences.