Science

Science: Intent, implementation and Impact

Science Intent:

At Harriers, Science enables pupils to be curious and ask questions allowing authenticity and improving their science capital. It engages pupils and meets exciting challenges allowing them to investigate.  Pupils will be able to explore, think, talk and be scientists. Our whole School thread is divided into three categories:

1. Children using different enquiry types to answer scientific questions about the world around them. 
2. Children develop independence in: asking scientific questions, planning how to investigate them, carrying out and evaluating investigations. 
3. Children having the opportunity to understand the implications of science today and in the future.

These threads are focussed upon throughout our science units so that the pupils are able to learn new concepts whilst developing key scientific skills. At Harriers Banbury Academy, we aim to help children understand how Science can create new knowledge, respond to specific challenges and improve people’s lives throughout the world.

We want our children to develop critical thinking skills through the asking of scientific questions, designing and implementing investigations as well as drawing conclusions and making valuable and accurate evaluations. Other skills we aim to develop through science include collaborative skills, careful, detailed and accurate communication skills using appropriate vocabulary, and an intent to explore possibilities.  All of which are transferable to other curriculum subjects.

Implementation:

We have a comprehensive science curriculum that has a clear progression of knowledge and skills. Many scientific concepts are revisited multiple times throughout a pupil’s time at Harriers Banbury Academy in order to embed and enhance progress and understanding. Science will be implemented in the curriculum in numerous ways:

Science is taught weekly. Learning objectives will be clear and well sequenced in order to build upon the skills each session. Lessons will begin with a Learning Question (LQ) which the children are required to answer throughout a lesson or sequence of lessons.Where possible, children will design and carry out their own practical investigations to answer scientific questions. The children will make predictions, plan, carry out and evaluate their own investigations.

From Nursery to Year 6, Children will revisit many key concepts in greater detail. This will develop their knowledge, skills and understanding. Some science outcomes will support other curriculum areas. These could be the use of information technology to produce a presentation of findings, Maths linked to the recording element of data collection, the presenting element of graphs or through sorting in Venn diagrams. Literacy skills are also developed through Science teaching. For example, children in Year 6 write to  inform by writing a scientific report on why animals and humans adapt. Another example is where Year 4 children create an informative leaflet about how to protect the environment . In Year 5 we link the topic of the Earth in Space with music using Holst’s the Planets as an introduction to composition.

At Harriers Banbury Academy, we have a wide range of resources to support practical Science.

Where appropriate, information technology is used to support scientific understanding. For example, through videos or through Virtual Reality equipment. 

We have excellent links with Futures Institute Banbury where the children in Upper Key Stage Two visit to extend their experiences of Science. For example, the children gain an insight into Key Stage 3 Science through their use of Bunsen burners or observation of animals. These sessions are always fun and engaging and offer a real insight into the STEM subjects.

Our own forest school area is used to help children learn about minibeasts, habitats, plants and seeds.

Intended Impact:

For children to enjoy all aspects of the Science curriculum. Information will be gathered via pupil and staff voice as well as through evidence of children’s learning. Children will gain independence in their Science investigative skills.The revisiting of scientific concepts will reinforce and deepen children’s knowledge and skills. Practical Science will promote curiosity.

To educate children about ways in which they can improve their lives now. For example, through staying physically healthy, looking after living things or looking after the environment. Children will have a growing awareness that they can play an important role in the future world they will live in, making it a better place.

Science outcome will develop other curriculum areas, including Maths and English as well as other crucial skills such as collaborating, evaluating and presenting.

Progress will be assessed through outcomes of assignments and a formative assessment will be given 3 times throughout the school year in our data collection points.