Science
Intent
At Barry Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires.
The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence. In an ever-changing world, children should be provided with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to investigate and develop their comprehension of a world that is ever increasingly led by Science and Technology. Science should develop the children’s commitment to caring about and improving the environment and planet Earth itself.
Implementation
At Barry Primary School we ensure high standards of teaching and learning in Science, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the school. Science is organised into topics and year groups and designed around the statutory requirements for Primary Science and gives full coverage of the National Curriculum. At the start of each topic teachers take time to find out what our children already understand and want to find out through KWL grids. Through teacher modelling and questioning we want our children at Barry to wonder and be amazed by the world around them as we recognise that our children sometimes lack experiences as we have a diverse intake of pupils. Key scientific language is modelled and taught throughout lessons enabling our children to be familiar with and use vocabulary accurately. We are committed to providing exciting, hands on and practical experiences for all children at Barry. In turn, this will help promote independent learning, curiosity and a love for enquiry and knowledge. Teachers are also encouraged to plan trips and visitors to enhance our children’s learning experience when possible. Once a year, the whole school works off a timetable and participates in a ‘Science Week’. A theme runs across the school, with children investigating a Science/STEM question. This enables children to immerse themselves in Science and its vocabulary. They will learn about scientists, make real life links and work through the steps of a scientific investigation.