Science

Intent

At Pennyman Primary Academy, we aim to foster a healthy curiosity about our universe and natural phenomena, and promote respect for the living and non-living. Pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science, enabling them to solve problems and report scientific findings through practical experiences. We develop an understanding of how science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s sustainability. We categorise working scientifically as Identifying, Classifying Grouping, Observing Over Time, Pattern Seeking, Research using secondary sources and Comparative and Fair Testing. Through a hand son approach to the science curriculum, we encourage knowledgeable and curious young scientists who are keen to ask questions, and explore and investigate the world around them.

Implementation

• Science is taught based on the National Curriculum for Years 1 to 6 and the EYFS Curriulum Framework

• Working scientifically is at the heart of the science curriculum. Children learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions. In every year group children will use the 5 types of scientific enquiry;: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing and researching using secondary sources

• Scientific language is taught and built upon as topics are revisited in different year groups and across key stages.

• A carefully planned whole school progression of scientific knowledge ensures children have and the opportunity to revisit and remember previous learning in order to develop an understanding of the world around them.

• Working scientifically skills are mapped across the phases to ensure a logical progression and cumulatively built procedural knowledge

• Knowledge organisers outline the key new knowledge for each unit and the prior knowledge needed for pupils to make meaningful connections to new learning

Progression within the areas of animals including humans, plants, light, electricity, materials, living things and their habitats, forces, states of matter and earth and space are set out within the Science Knowledge Sequencing Document available in the academy.

Y5 and Y6 Eco Gardens

Year five and six had the opportunity to work with EDT who work with young people all over the country to offer them active/practical learning experiences in STE(A)M related careers.

They learnt about their carbon footprint, effects of climate change and they worked in mixed groups to design their own eco garden – which some of them presented to the other year five and six pupils

They then had a Q & A with a guest speaker from the GFG Foundation who involved the pupils in problem solving real-world issues that are happening in their local area.