Science

Science Intent

At Knightlow, we believe that Science is an enquiry based subject where children develop their love of learning, ignite their curiosity for the world we live in and develop a thirst for knowledge and understanding. As children of God we know we are all unique and learning is adapted so all can achieve. We believe that a cyclic curriculum, with genuine links to other subjects, and fun experiences make learning memorable, ultimately creating scientists of the future. Our curriculum is mapped with clear progression in skills and knowledge, with different teaching approaches to meet the needs of all learners. We assess children so that we know what they can do and so we teach their next steps.

Key Principles

Wonder

We ask big questions with open minds and a sense of wonder and curiosity!

Hands on

We love active learning where we are immersed in practical investigations and experiments

Discovery

We love exploring how things work, trying new ideas and learning more about the world.

Real life

We believe that science should link to our world now and inspire us for the future.

Fun

We have a life-long love of exploring the world and our place in it.

Implementation

We teach science progressively developing both the skills and knowledge needed to succeed
We ensure the curriculum is cyclical to practise and embed learning.
Strong, supportive and ambitious SLT and staff, including governance, who have very close links with the school.
Use of self-assessment to encourage a responsibility for learning.
Use of Knowledge Organisers to support learning and retention of knowledge, supporting children to make links between what they have learnt.
High-quality teaching through passion, praise, subject knowledge and enthusiasm.
A commitment to constantly improving our practice using evidence-informed practise based on the Science of Learning.
A commitment to CPD, both in school and through external partners such as PSQM, RSC
High-quality and appropriate resources to support teaching and learning, many of which are award winning.
Using cross-curricular links and opportunities to ensure pupils can transfer and apply the skills they develop.
A range of school clubs, school trips and visitors to enrich the curriculum, as well as reaching out to our local community.
Suitably-adapted tasks to ensure all children can access the curriculum content.
Maximising opportunities for outdoor learning.
Pupil and parent voice is encouraged, respected and informs the constantly improving provision.

Curriculum Enhancements

Class visits , eg Local nature reserves and Space Centre
Residential visit for Year 6 children takes into account many fieldwork techniques
Visitors to school – eg: parents who share their skills and work experiences
Workshops delivered by specialists
Whole School shared experiences – ‘We are Scientists’ event

Impact

Children are fully engaged in science, finding it fun.
Children can make links to real life situations.
Children see themselves as scientists
Children ask questions and can create their own investigations to answer their questions.
Children make excellent progress due to a progressive curriculum (in knowledge, skills and vocabulary, leading outcomes at the end of Foundation Stage, the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 SATs, which are consistently at or above the national average.
Children's books demonstrate a range of high-quality work in both substantive and disciplinary skills
Pupil discussions reveal that children speak enthusiastically about science with the ability to transfer their knowledge and skills into other areas.
Teachers assess science to celebrate what is learnt and to inform next steps