Science  

Intent

Our aim is for children to recognise the importance of science in daily life. At  all our schools, we encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school and beyond. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes.   

Implementation

Our long term science plan has been created to ensure that all children are taught the required topics in the National Curriculum. It has been designed using a skills progression to promote an understanding of the importance of scientific working and the development of these skills. 

The 2014 National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all children:  

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics  

• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them  

• are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. We understand that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that the knowledge can be taught through this. 

We believe that children learn best by doing, so wherever possible, they are given the opportunity to experiment and carry out practical investigations.   

We have a fantastic location which we use wherever possible to enhance our science curriculum. Children have the opportunity to learn about pond habitats by using our pond area and woodland habitats in the woods. Our science curriculum is further enhanced by including science activities whilst the children take part in woodland learning sessions. This brings to elements of science alive that can be taught out in the woods. 

We are very proud of our commitment to science at The Woodland Federation and are delighted to have received recognition from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) for encouraging and inspiring young people in STEM subjects through using STEM ambassadors at our Great Hucklow and Peak Forest sites.

Our federation is taking part in a STEM project called ENTHUSE. The ENTHUSE project aims to improve the quality of teaching in STEM subjects. Our science lead is working alongside staff from other local schools and an ENTHUSE leader to drive improvements in science in our cluster of schools. 

The aims of the ENTHUSE project are for children to: 

• have access to high-quality STEM education 

• improve their perceptions and knowledge of STEM careers 

• succeed and take their place as citizens of the future.

When planning our lessons, we consider the vocabulary that children will learn as part of the topic. This is taught explicitly throughout the topic. 

Impact

Children will not only acquire the appropriate age related knowledge linked to the science curriculum, but also skills which equip them to progress from their starting points, and within their everyday lives.

All children will have:

• A wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry/investigative skills.
• A richer vocabulary which will enable to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.
• High aspirations, which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life.