Science

Intent 

At Hamsey School, we want every child to be curious and want to learn more about how and why things work the way they do. We aim to nurture children’s interest and understanding in science so they want to learn more about the importance of science. We want them to understand that science affects every aspect of life and is vital to the world’s future success.  

Through our science curriculum, we teach the essential aspects of scientific knowledge, enquiry processes and uses of science so children have a body of key foundational knowledge about natural phenomena. We want children to understand the power of logical explanation and come to rational conclusions. Children are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.  

Science is everything and everywhere!  

Implementation 

Science is taught as set out by the year group requirements of the National Curriculum. Hamsey School uses the ‘Developing Experts’ science scheme to ensure the accumulation of knowledge and progress through the primary years. 

Science investigations take place each term, ensuring all scientific skills (planning and hypothesising, investigating, data gathering and analysis, evaluating practical work and presenting conclusions) are covered. Each skill is related and there are links between them and each becomes firmly embedded. 

Problem-solving opportunities are planned, allowing children to find out for themselves how to answer questions in a variety of practical ways. Children are encouraged to ask questions and are given appropriate equipment to use their scientific skills to discover the answers. 

Engaging lessons are created 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. 

Prior learning and skills are built upon year on year. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increase they become more proficient in selecting and using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results.  Children become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence. 

Working scientifically: skills are explicit in lessons to ensure they 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 to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts. 

Children also participate in STEM days throughout the year. Our STEM days aim to develop and create critical thinkers, increase science literacy, and enable the next generation of innovators. 

Impact 

Children are enthused and motivated by science.  Pupil voice shows that children enjoy the practical aspect of the subject and enjoy learning facts and understanding scientific phenomena.  

Teacher assessment demonstrates that the majority of children reach end-of-year expectations in the subject. 

Our successful approach at Hamsey School results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the natural world.