Intent 

At North Petherton Primary School, we want to foster a love of science and the natural world. Practical explorative activities and the development of the skills of scientific enquiry are at the heart of each science lesson. 

We aim to: 

• build on pupils’ curiosity in, and sense of awe of, the natural world 
• develop pupils’ enjoyment and interest in science 
• develop an appreciation of the contribution of science in all aspects of everyday life 
• use a range of investigations and practical activities to give pupils a greater understanding of the concepts and knowledge of science 
• develop pupils’ language and vocabulary of science 
• use formative assessment to build on children’s current levels of knowledge and to address any misconceptions  

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: 

• Science is taught in year groups using clear and comprehensive plans in line with the national curriculum. 
• Skills of working scientifically are embedded into lessons to ensure they are being developed throughout the children’s school career. 
• Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and where possible be given the opportunity to use their scientific skills to discover the answers. 
• Teachers use precise questioning in class to test knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up. 
• Where relevant, cross curricular links will be made with literacy and Maths and other topic areas 
• Educational visits and visitors into the classroom are investigated by teachers prior to starting a unit of work and use of the outdoor environment is encouraged to support the children’s learning. 
• Teachers meet to reflect on the impact of the teaching of science across the school and reflect on its impact on learning. 

Impact 

• Children have a love and passion for science and can identify clear links with the work undertaken in class and science in the real world. 
• We aim for children to achieve at least age-related expectations in their science subject knowledge and skills at the end of the year. 
• Children can ask questions to investigate  
• Children confidently work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment. 
• Children are well-prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.