Science
MTB PSQM Portfolio
Intention
Science at Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School is very hands on, with a vast array of practical investigations taking place, from melting and freezing materials, dissecting plants to creating slime, applying knowledge of forces to create and launch bottle rockets and thinking about the world around us by exploring habitats. Science is a subject that stimulates and excites pupils' curiosity about the world around them. Scientific investigation develops understanding through practical activity and encourages critical and creative thought. An important aspect of Science at Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School is for the children to learn and use scientific vocabulary in the correct context, both while in discussion during practical investigation and also when writing up their findings. Children are exposed to different ways of investigating and get the chance to develop their skills at predicting likely outcomes. Making predictions is a key skill used across the curriculum as it teaches children that making a mistake, or not getting something quite right is a natural part of learning.
The pupils need to understand that there are many cross curricular links within science learning, ranging from creating tables, graphs and interpreting data, to discovering materials from different climates and countries. Pupils are encouraged to work in groups to carry out investigations, so they are constantly developing their co-operation and communication skills, which is key to working effectively as part of a team.
Implementation
At Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School, we recognise and value the importance of science and scientific enquiry. The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. Linked Learning Organisers enable children to learn and retain the important, useful and powerful vocabulary and knowledge contained within each unit. The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons.
At the heart of our progressive science curriculum is scientific investigation. Wherever possible we intend to deliver lessons where children learn through varied systematic investigations, leading to them being equipped for life to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them. Each lesson is part of an overarching Big Question which lends itself to multiple enquiries where children apply the 5 enquiries:
At Mary Tavy and Brentor Primary School, teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science.
Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;
- We plan for problem solving and real-life opportunities that enable children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating practical, engaging lessons with opportunities for precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning.
- Our curriculum is progressive. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years, which is tested through our ‘Retrieval quizzes’ where teachers can identify misconceptions that need addressing.
- Working Scientifically skills are embedded into 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 topics.
- 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.
- Through enrichment days, such as ‘Science Week’, STEAM clubs and trips, we promote the profile of science and allow time for the children to freely explore scientific topics.
We are Scientists
States of matter
RSPB Bird watch
