Early Years Foundation Stage
In Nursery and Reception classes, children are encouraged to ask questions about what they see around them through their topics. The children are given the chance to explore and observe real life events like the life cycle of the caterpillars as they turn to butterflies. At the academy, we have a fantastic outdoors area where the children are able to explore and develop their enquiry skills as well as in the classroom.
How is Science taught?
At Eaton Park Academy, Science is delivered on a weekly basis within each year band from Year One to Year Six. Science is taught in discrete sessions which are organised into weeks, rather than half terms, depending on the objectives within a unit of work. We aim to provide an exciting and stimulating learning environment and resources to inspire children’s scientific questioning and thought processes. This then enables the development of scientific attitudes to question natural phenomena and supports the children when working scientifically.
Lessons are delivered by the class teachers and provide a range of opportunities for the children to gain hands on experiences by planning and conducting investigations. Science lessons are delivered in a range of settings, including within the classroom, the wider school grounds and through educational visits. We also have links to our local high school where the children are able to explore learning in the science labs. In addition, this supports our KS2 pupils with their transition to high school.
Assessment for learning
As a school, we conduct a range of both formative and summative assessments on a regular basis, in order to gain a clear picture of the children’s understanding, progress and next steps for learning. Within in each year band, summative assessments will include a knowledge based assessment to identify any gaps in knowledge or misconceptions which need readdressing throughout the year. The identified areas are then approached within recall opportunities. To assess the children’s skills to work scientifically, we use TAPS focussed assessments with hone in on particular skills in which we would like to specifically assess in detail. A teacher judgement within Science is made based on both formative and summative judgements.
Science within other curriculum subjects:
SMSC
During Science children will take part in discussions about world phenomena. During these discussions, the children will be encouraged to respect and value everyone’s opinions and views which is a value of our SMSC curriculum.
Geography
Topics covered in Science such as Earth, sun and moon, time zones and seasons, states of matter serve to reinforce Geography learning.
History
As part of some units of science, children are introduced to significant scientists from the past who have contributed and worked in that particular area of science.
English
There are opportunities across all year groups for children to further develop their English skills through their science learning. Speaking and listening is an integral part of the way that science is taught, as children are encouraged to ask and answer questions and discuss observations made. Writing opportunities are planned to enable children to apply their skills for a range of purposes.
Maths
Maths has clear scientific links through the Science curriculum where children are using and applying mathematical knowledge in areas such as:
Creating tally charts to collect data, presenting data through block graphs and bar charts, using Venn diagrams to sort and classify, using measures to carry out investigations, reading scales when using scientific equipment, understanding temperatures and negative numbers.
Computing
The children use computing within Science for a number of ways, which include researching and presenting data. Where possible, in KS2, devices are used to record work in science. Children in KS2 also use digital data loggers within their investigations.
Design & Technology
In KS1, learning in science is developed through many DT projects including, applying knowledge to devise and create a healthy meal. Properties of materials learning is reinforced when creating structures and mechanisms. In KS2, children make clear links with Science as part of their D&T projects, drawing on concepts such as gravity, friction, light and the human circulatory system.
Enrichment
In addition to the EYFS and NC objectives being delivered to the children, there are many other enrichment and wider opportunities provided to enable children to engage with science and to promote and enthuse the passion for science across the school.
The local dentist visits Eaton Park each year to share key information about dental health and hygiene.
The children are able to attend an experiment club, which runs for part of our school year with the help of the Science Ambassadors. Here, the children were able to take part in a range of experiments and investigations to engage children in scientific phenomena.
Science ambassadors
Science ambassadors are chosen from Year 6. These children help to look after the equipment used in their Science lessons. Our science ambassadors are excellent role models for others. Their role includes promoting science competitions around the academy, gaining feedback from pupils about the science curriculum, contributing to science assemblies and reviewing and sharing science related books within the academy.
Pupil Voice
Recent and continuous pupil voice showed us that the children were able to talk enthusiastically about their Science lessons, recalling lots of knowledge that they had learnt in class not only in this year, but previous years. Many of the children were also able to recall our school’s definition for Science and express their views as to what they liked about their science lessons at the academy.
‘I like it when we do investigations.’- Bodhi (Y1)
‘I enjoy being able to test and prove what we have learnt through experiments.’-Mia (Y3)
‘I like that we are able to be active learners in our science lessons.’-Thomas (Y5)
‘We get to learn about biology and physics in one lesson as we learnt about the eye and how we see light.’ –April (Y6)
