Hermitage Primary School

Science at Hermitage Primary School

Learning science is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge of our world, and with developing skills associated with science as a process of enquiry. Our science curriculum develops the natural curiosity of each child no matter their demographic, encourages them to have respect for living organisms, and instil in pupils the importance of caring for the natural environment.

 Through our science programs of study, we encourage the children to:

• develop their natural curiosity and excitement by encouraging them to ask questions about what they notice.
• express their opinions and ideas.
• make links with other areas of learning such as geography, history and maths.
• develop respect for living organisms and the physical environment.
• find out about ways in which science influences everyday life.
• understand how science can be used today and in the future.

We aim to teach scientific concepts through the use of first-hand practical experiences, as well as using some appropriate secondary sources, such as books, photographs and videos to support children’s learning.  The children have opportunities to develop their understanding of different scientific ideas by using a range of types of scientific enquiry to answer questions.  These include observing changes over a period of time; pattern seeking; research; comparative tests; identifying and classifying, as well as making links across the curriculum.

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children can achieve high standards in science. Teaching is set out thus:

• Science will be taught as set out by the year group requirements of the National Curriculum. This is a strategy to enable the accumulation of knowledge and allows progress in repeated topics through the years. At HPS, science is taught weekly and for at least one hour. In Early Years, science is taught through the children learning by play and regular opportunities to engage through science provocations.
• Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities, allowing children to find out for themselves how to answer questions in a variety of practical means. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given appropriate equipment to use their scientific skills to discover the answers.
• Engaging lessons are created with each lesson having both practical and knowledge elements. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills and children are regularly assessed to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up.
• We build upon the learning and skill development of previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting and using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
• Working Scientifically skills are explicit in lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in-keeping with the theme of the lesson.
• Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts.
• We aim to enrich children’s learning and enthusiasm through science focus weeks, outdoor learning, local trips and visits from local experts who will enhance the learning experience.

• Most children will achieve age related expectations in science at the end of their cohort year.
• Children will retain knowledge that is pertinent to science with a real-life context.
• Children will be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.
• Children will work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment.
• Children will be able to explain the process they have taken and be able to reason scientifically.
• Children will be able to make links between other curricular areas

The approach at HPS results in engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the natural world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first-hand experiences. Much learning takes place outdoors so pupils can investigate their immediate environment. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts and local charities, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity.