Intent

Language acquisition will be at the heart of our whole-school curriculum. We will ensure that all our pupils are able to use a broad range of science-enriched vocabulary accurately and confidently in their independent writing and when speaking.

In Key Stage 1, Putnoe Primary School aims to ensure that pupils can ask questions about the world around them and explain phenomena using accurate scientific vocabulary. They should be able to speak confidently and accurately in full sentences. Our pupils should regularly use scientific terminology during investigations and be able to record observations over time, identify and classify, research, recognise patterns and carry out fair tests.

In Key Stage 2, Putnoe Primary School aims to ensure that pupils build upon their scientific vocabulary and further develop their key investigation skills. In particular, pupils will develop confidence in recognising patterns, making observations over time, carrying out fair tests, researching, and identifying and classifying.

With strong links to reading lessons and the explicit teaching of vocabulary, our pupils will be able to make connections with what they have read and understand how this develops their skills for writing. Having a range of ‘science-friendly’ books will help children to recognise and use scientific vocabulary, develop their understanding and encourage them to ask questions. These resources will form an important part of both our reading and science provision.

At Putnoe Primary, we understand the importance of developing pupils’ independence in writing and their ability to generate ideas. Structured templates will help to promote ideas and provide prompts for independent writing, while also supporting pupils when working independently and as part of a team.

Through Pupil Voice, we encourage our children to become Science Ambassadors. This gives them the opportunity to share their views and help ensure that our science curriculum is child-centred. Science Ambassadors will meet regularly to share the latest science news, discuss science taking place within the school and explore ways in which they can inspire others.

Implementation

The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. The progression of Working Scientifically skills is developed across the year groups, with scientific enquiry skills being of key importance within lessons.

At Putnoe Primary, teachers create a positive attitude towards science learning, both within their classrooms and in the Science Lab, reinforcing the 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 planned and organised topic blocks by the class teacher.
• Our approach enables all children to be catered for through adapted planning suited to their individual needs and abilities.
• We plan for problem-solving and real-life opportunities that enable pupils to discover and investigate for themselves.
• Pupils are encouraged to ask their own questions and are given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover answers.
• Curiosity is celebrated within the classroom.
• We support the use of our Science Lab to enrich science lessons and provide practical, engaging learning experiences using a range of resources.
• We build upon the learning and skill development from previous years. This is supported through prior-knowledge activities at the start of a topic and end-of-unit assessments, enabling teachers to identify and address misconceptions.

Working Scientifically skills are embedded within lessons to ensure that these skills are developed throughout the children’s school career. New vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching and developed progressively through the years in line with the topics being taught.

Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment safely and effectively, as well as modelling the various Working Scientifically skills, in order to embed scientific understanding. Clear science displays, including the Working Scientifically lenses, are found throughout the school, both in classrooms and in the Science Lab.

Teachers identify opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings through outdoor learning and workshops with experts. Through enrichment days, such as Science Week, we promote the profile of science and provide opportunities for children to explore scientific topics more freely.

Impact

The successful approach to the teaching of science at Putnoe Primary results in a fun, engaging and high-quality science education that provides children with the foundations they need to understand the world around them. We aim for pupils to take this knowledge, curiosity and enthusiasm with them as they complete their primary education.

Pupils learn about the possibilities of careers in science through our community links, STEM Ambassadors, the Science ENTHUSE Partnership and the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. These links provide exciting and engaging enrichment opportunities that support and develop our pupils’ desire to achieve in science and help them to recognise the relevance of science beyond the classroom.

In addition, pupil voice is used to further develop the science curriculum. Through questioning pupils about their views and attitudes towards science, we can assess their enjoyment of the subject, identify areas for development and help to motivate learners.

Furthermore, at Putnoe Primary, we are keen for our pupils to access a range of enrichment opportunities, including observing life cycles first-hand through our tadpole and butterfly habitats, participating in science workshops at Bedford Girls’ School and taking part in the external Microscope Challenge. These experiences enable our pupils to ask ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions, make strong links with the world around them and develop their enthusiasm to continue their science journey beyond the classroom and throughout their lives.