SCIENCE 

at Clyst Heath Nursery and Community Primary School 

Intent  

At Clyst Heath Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science as an everyday 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. 

At Clyst Heath Primary School, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to: 

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics; 
• ensure our children have an understanding of, and can articulate the ‘big ideas’ of science by the end of Key Stage 2 
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them; 
• be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future to raise the Science Capital of our pupils; 
• We view Scientific Capital as: 
• Providing opportunities for children to meet professionals who are working in STEM careers and discuss their career journeys 
• Meeting scientists actively engaged in scientific research 
• Visiting or having visits from local business and institutions where science has a key role: e.g: Exeter Airport; The Meteorological Office, South West Water, Exeter Chiefs, Synopsis Digital Modelling 
• develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge; 
• Use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts; 
• Develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety; 
• Develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery. 

Implementation 

• Children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, using a variety of programmes of study and resources. In Early years, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. 
• Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as using our Wildlife Area and pond area to develop our children’s appreciation of nature and to transfer knowledge learnt into the real world around them. Children are also given the opportunity to become ‘Wildlife Champions’ where they work with an environmental expert and go into areas of Exeter and beyond to improve the environment for wildlife and learn how to become environmentally aware citizens. 
• We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences. 
• Children are immersed in scientific vocabulary (using Knowledge Organisers to support), which aids children’s knowledge and understanding not only of the topic they are studying, but of the world around them. We intend to provide all children regardless of ethnic origin, gender, class, aptitude or disability, with a broad and balanced science curriculum.