Science

Intent 

For children to understand how science has changed their lives and how it may shape their future.

To provide children with scientific knowledge and processes, applied through investigations which build upon their natural investigations which build upon their curiosity about the world around them:

• Asking questions
• Work scientifically to explore questions and possible answers
• Use and understand appropriate scientific vocabulary and concepts
• Draw conclusions and explain the ‘whys’ and ‘what ifs’.

• For children to identify real world uses of science which they can link to their own experiences, developing an appreciation of what it is to be a scientist.
• To provide a curriculum which will inspire and excite the children, including opportunities for reflection, awe and wonder.
• To experience a rich and varied science curriculum which demonstrates links with other subjects such as geography, maths and DT.

Implementation 

• The knowledge that children learn about the world around them through observation, exploration and play during the Early Years, will be appreciated, utilised and built-upon through a carefully designed science curriculum.
• Knowledge Organisers are utilised to support planning, communicate expectations and identify assessment opportunities. These Knowledge Organisers are based upon the National Curriculum to ensure coverage.
• The long-term plan has a ‘cyclical’ element which integrates the opportunity for reflection using ‘flashback’ sessions to recap previous learning. This learning is then built on, enabling progression and depth of knowledge.
• Children are given opportunities to apply their knowledge through real, practical experiences where theories can be proven or unproven.
• Children are given opportunities to apply their knowledge through real, practical experiences where theories can be proven or unproven.
• Children are given opportunities to generate their own questions and design a method to answer them, encouraging their natural curiosity.
• Make sure of our grounds and Forest School areas which enable children to observe, explore and interact with nature.
• Use resources such as ‘Concept Cartoons’ in order to identify and address misconceptions; and identify theories in an environment which enables learning from mistakes and a growth mindset.
• Trips to enhance the children’s scientific learning experience such as investigating materials at the Historic Dockyard.

Impact

• Children and Staff at Poulner Infant School and Nursery who are enthusiastic about science learning.
• Children who are engaged and inspired to as questions, have ideas and learn more about science.
• Children who understand how science links to and impacts on their own lives.
• Children who can use accurate and correct scientific vocabulary when discussing and explaining scientific concepts.
• Children who can recall previous science learning and use this to integrate with and understand new knowledge.
• Children who view themselves as ‘scientists’ who can draw upon scientific enquiry skills enabling them to ask questions, design an investigation and draw conclusions.
• Children who are challenged appropriately through on-going assessment and identification of misconceptions which enable them to make good progress.
• Children who are able to meet their age-related expectations in science.
• Children who are able to meet their age related expectations in science.