Science

The importance of Science.

Primary science helps pupils to:

- investigate problems

- learn how science works

- discover why science matters in the world.

How was the Science Curriculum developed at Lakeside?

-As a school we identified gaps in progression and knowledge in foundation subjects. SLT researched several options for developing a new curriculum, liaising with staff, other schools and analysing resources.

-As a school we decided to adopt the Cornerstones tool to develop our curriculum. A representative from Cornerstones worked with school leaders to explain how the online platform and units of work were developed and training was given to teachers to access these resources.

-Each year group was asked to look at the available units and identify 5 of the 9 that had the greatest breadth of study and matched the teacher and children’s interest, needs and gaps in knowledge.

-The chosen units were identified across the school and then the online system allowed us to identify gaps in knowledge. Coverage was considered in phases FSU, KS1, Y3-4, Y5-6.

-An appreciative enquiry took place at school in Autumn 2019 and although this was not focussed on any subject specifically parental, staff and pupil views on the new curriculum were gathered. Views were overwhelmingly positive with children commenting on enjoying new topic and having more explicit topic launches.

-The science lead analysed the progression map from the Cornerstones online and used this to create the school progression map to ensure that this relevant, challenging and addressed the needs of our pupils cultural capital.

-Care was taken to ensure that all parts of the national curriculum including the aims were incorporated.

-After the first year a book look took place and evidence of the actual curriculum taught was collected. Any gaps were identified. In discussion with the teacher some elements of the curriculum/ long term progressions map were adapted and guidance and support was given to teachers about which lessons to add in order to ensure key skills and knowledge are taught and retained.

-The curriculum will continue to be reviewed yearly by looking at books, talking to children and staff and assessment data.

Children are naturally curious. Science at primary school should nurture this curiosity and allow them to ask questions and develop the skills they need to answer those questions.

What Science Knowledge is taught at Lakeside?

Each year the key science knowledge builds on learning from the previous years.

The long term overview to show which knowledge is taught in each year group can be found in the documents below.

Science statements in Early Years Curriculum

Children know about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects, materials and living things

They talk about the features of their own immediate environment and how environments might vary from one another

They make observations of animals and plants and explain why some things occur, and talk about changes

Science activites - see pictures below

Autumn 1

Foundation Stage

Explored Autumn and made a self portrait out of leaves.

Key Stage 1

Observed mini-beasts in Forest School to identify their features using a maginifying glass.

Had a visit from Zoolab to look and hold different mini-beasts and learn some facts.

Year 3/4

Investigated the properties of custard and compared it to water. They tested the custard and water by putting ping pong balls in it, they tried to shape it and cut it.

is custard a liquid (1).jpg

Year 4

Entered a potions labratory where they had to guess what the mystery potions were. They did this by tasting them, guessing what the potion did and what it was made of.