Science at Grenoside Community Primary School 

Statement of intent for science 

At Grenoside Community Primary School, we encourage children to be inquisitive and ask their own questions. We aim to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future in order to develop the Science Capital of all our children. We ensure that the children’s Working Scientifically skills are built-on each year and developed throughout their time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting investigations, constructing arguments and explaining concepts. We want our children to continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings throughout their lives.

Statement of implementation for science 

Children have weekly science lessons in KS1 and KS2 where possible, however, in some half terms, the science is blocked over a shorter space of time. In Early years, science is taught as the children are learning about the world around them in their learning through play. 

Teachers plan regular opportunities for children to develop their working scientifically skills through investigations. The use of Working Scientifically posters in their books helps children to focus on the skills they are using in order to work like a scientist.

We use knowledge organisers for each science unit to introduce and reinforce the correct use and spelling of key scientific words to enhance understanding and focus on key concepts and ‘sticky knowledge’. In KS2, children create a topic cover with titles as questions to encourage them to ask and answer scientific questions. Children are encouraged to add examples of their learning in the topic to the cover.

Teachers make meaningful links to topics where possible to engage children more deeply with the subject and in some year groups, teachers teach the statistics strand of maths through science, using real data where possible. 

KS2 teachers have begun to introduce ‘Memory Masterclass’ activities to help children develop their retrieval skills and give them opportunities to recall key facts from previous learning.

Each year, we celebrate British Science Week with activities related to the British Science Association’s theme. We invite visitors in where possible to support our learning and expose children to a range of science professionals who help them to understand the real-life application of different aspects of STEM.   

Statement of impact for science 

Through science lessons at Grenoside Community Primary School, we aim to: o    develop pupils’ enjoyment of and interest in science and their understanding of its contribution to all aspects of life;

• build on pupils’ curiosity about the natural world; o offer pupils a range of investigations and practical activities to give them a greater understanding of the world around them;
• introduce pupils to the language and vocabulary of science; o introduce children to some important figures from the world of science, including Nobel Prize winners and representatives from diverse backgrounds and communities;
• develop pupils’ basic practical skills and their ability to make accurate and appropriate measurements;
• promote a ‘healthy lifestyle’.