Science
At Barton Moss, we recognize that children are inherently curious, and we strive to cultivate this inquisitiveness through our scientific teaching and provisions. We believe that science not only fosters curiosity about our universe but also invites children to ask questions about their surroundings, living organisms, and their own bodies. Our approach emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills, and positive attitudes, ensuring that children meet the defined age-related outcomes outlined in the National Curriculum as they progress through primary education.
Our science curriculum is designed to:
- Encourage Inquiry: We invite children to ask their own questions and explore answers through investigation. Planning involves creating engaging lessons with high-quality resources that aid the understanding of key concepts.
- Build on Prior Learning: The curriculum systematically builds upon the skills and knowledge developed in previous years. As children become more proficient in using scientific equipment, collating data, and interpreting results, they gain confidence in drawing conclusions from real evidence.
- Demonstrate Scientific Skills: Teachers model the use of scientific equipment and various Working Scientifically skills to embed scientific understanding.
Our whole-school approach involves:
- Investigative Opportunities: Teachers plan and provide numerous opportunities for children to conduct experiments and investigations, allowing them to discover answers independently.
- High-Quality Engagement: We engage children through varied, first-hand experiences of the world around them, including workshops, trips, and interactions with experts. This helps children understand the impact of science on our lives and the importance of diverse ecosystems for future prosperity.
- Cross-Curricular Links: While science is taught discretely, teachers are encouraged to make links with other subjects to facilitate the transfer and application of skills. Reading and writing are utilised as tools to learn about and present scientific concepts.
In Early Years, science is integrated within the knowledge and understanding of the world framework.
In KS1 and KS2, teachers follow the Barton Moss Science curriculum. Key elements include:
- Collaborative Learning: Teachers plan lessons that foster teamwork, encouraging children to support each other in achieving their goals.
- Independent Problem Solving: Children are encouraged to solve problems and answer questions independently, fostering resilience and confidence as learners.
- Scientific Vocabulary: Teachers ensure accurate teaching of subject-specific vocabulary, which is highlighted on the front cover of science books for children to reference throughout the teaching process.
- Curriculum Enhancement: Science Week provides an opportunity to enhance the curriculum and engage students in fun, interactive activities related to science.
Monitoring and Outcomes:
- Book Monitoring: We expect all children's outcomes to reflect 100% good standards or better. At least 50% of these outcomes should demonstrate outstanding evidence of engagement and retention of scientific knowledge.
- Assessment Tracking: All books will show assessment stages throughout each term, including star sheets, assessments, and progress maps, demonstrating that children are knowing and remembering more.
- End-of-Year Targets:
- By the end of EYFS, at least 75% of children will achieve the understanding of the world objectives.
- By the end of Key Stage 1, at least 82% of children will be age-related, with 10% achieving above.
- By the end of Key Stage 2, at least 84% of children will be age-related, with 15% achieving above.
- Engagement Tracking: Book monitoring and pupil voice will reflect staff awareness of which children are actively engaged in science activities, both in and out of school, and those who show potential for further development.
Through our comprehensive and engaging approach to science education at Barton Moss, we aim to lay the foundations for children to understand and explore the world around them, fostering a lifelong love of learning and discovery in the field of science.