Science

The Intent

‘A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.’

National Curriculum Science 2013

Curiosity comes naturally to children and it is this curiosity that we aim to nurture and develop, ultimately enabling our pupils to become confident and independent explorers of the natural and manmade scientific phenomena in the world around them. At Stewart Headlam, we strive to embed a broad knowledge and vocabulary of the living world, geology, chemistry and physics as well as develop skills to work scientifically; asking questions, making predictions and making careful observations. Further knowledge, practical use of skills and access to science capital is provided through planning and carrying out investigations, education visits and a yearly week-long celebration of British Science Week.

The Implementation

Science at Stewart Headlam begins in the Early Years through a hand-on, open ended observation and investigation of fundamental scientific concepts. These threads are picked up and developed as pupils progress into Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, each year adding a layer of depth to the last.

Science is taught weekly at Stewart Headlam on a rotation of half-termly units that are in line with the National Curriculum. Woven throughout the curriculum are key skills in working scientifically. Lessons are designed and planned by teachers to nurture pupil's abilities to make predictions based on interlinked scientific knowledge, plan and implement investigations and draw meaningful conclusions. Pupils are also encouraged to evaluate evidence and interpret real data from tables, graphs and bar charts; some of which children will have recorded and collected themselves.

It has become a tradition to celebrate British Science Week every March across the whole school. At Stewart Headlam, we are proud of the way in which our community comes together each year. Year on year we have seen an increase in enthusiasm from the parents, carers and family members of our pupils as they attend and engage with in class workshops alongside their children. This enables us to bring further value and science capital to our community and promote cooperative working, listening to others and treating all ideas with respect.

The Impact

At Stewart Headlam, Science is taught from Early Years through to Year 6 and each year makes up an integral piece of a larger progressive curriculum that prepares our pupils to engage meaningfully with science beyond primary school. The knowledge and skills that our pupils gain provides the building blocks upon which our pupils will access the Key Stage Three science curriculum and further.

Science at Stewart Headlam opens the door to further studies, careers in science and a genuine love of the subject.