Overview and Vision
At Ox Close Primary School, Science learning is sequential, developing knowledge and skills over time. We recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life and want to inspire a lifelong love of the subject. In our rapidly evolving world, Science encourages a healthy inquisitiveness in children about the marvels and events in the world around them and promotes respect for the living and non-living. Science includes the acquisition of knowledge, specifically relating to Biology, Chemistry and Physics, concepts, Working Scientifically and positive attitudes. Pupils learn to question and discuss science-based issues that may influence or change their own lives, the way of society and/or the future of the world. Science connects direct practical experience with ideas, it can engage learners at many levels for example, the Scientific Method is about developing and evaluating explanations through experimental evidence and modelling. As part of our carefully planned sequence of lessons the pupils are given demonstrations on the correct use of equipment and Working Scientifically such as predicting, observing and measuring. These competencies are embedded into lessons to make certain the knowledge and skills are being developed throughout the children’s primary school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching and then applied by the children in practical work and discussion. The opportunity to hypothesise, test out ideas and learn from this process in a supportive atmosphere allows the children to develop resilience and to refine thoughts and learning in line with the school mantra of ‘Be the best that you can be.’ Opportunities are also presented for the children to develop their reading skills as they consult scientific texts, consolidating their scientific vocabulary as part of this process too. There are opportunities for the pupils to access outdoor learning and regular events such as Science Week, Reece Foundation and workshops to broaden their knowledge. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more skilful in selecting and using scientific equipment, in collating and interpreting results through use of charts and graphs, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to problem solve and come to evidence based conclusions. The children are given many opportunities to communicate their questions, predictions, ideas and conclusions, thus ensuring that our pupils are well rounded individuals who can work both independently and as a team.
