Intent

Science helps Trinity pupils to understand and explain how the world works by motivating them to explore the world around them and to change it for the better. During their Science learning journey, pupils develop an understanding of historical contributions to Science, as well as learning about contemporary Science issues including the interaction between human activity and the environment. 

By nurturing pupils’ natural curiosity and enthusiasm to develop their inquiring minds, pupils learn about the importance of Scientific enquiry and evidence, and how to make sense of it. 

Implementation

To ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum, our thematic-based ‘Learning Means the World’ curriculum is carefully structured and cross-referenced; any identified gaps in content and depth are then taught through specific, discrete Science units. 

Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children to ‘find out’ for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up.

We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.

‘Working Scientifically’ skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in-keeping with the topics.

Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various ‘Working Scientifically’ skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts.

Knowledge mats for Dimensions themes are used to embed information and key facts about the subject. They also offer wider curriculum links and embed key scientific vocabulary.

Further opportunities for science are weaved into everyday learning.

Trinity celebrates Science by partaking in British Science Week every spring. The whole school will undertake different Science enquiries about the same topic.

In order to develop the effectiveness of the Science curriculum at Trinity, teachers and the Science subject leader will draw together evidence from pupils’ books, pupil and teacher interviews and lesson observations to identify next steps for improvement. 

Impact

As a result of our Science teaching at Trinity CE Primary School you will see a fun, engaging, high-quality Science education that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first hand experiences of the world around them. Our school has a rich and diverse environment and much of our Science teaching lends itself to providing outdoor learning opportunities.

Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts and local charities and businesses, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our community links and connection with national agencies such as the STEM ambassadors.

Subject lead: Catherine Aiken