Science


The Wenhaston Way

Science

Our approach - 

To encourage and enable students to develop inquiring minds and be curious about science and nature. 

To acquire knowledge, understanding, and skills to solve problems and make informed decisions in scientific contexts.

Timetable expectations - 

In EYFS there will be a science learning opportunity each week.

In KS1 and 2 science will be timetabled as a discrete subject each week for a 1.5-2 hour slot.

Principles and expectations - 

Strategies and resources to be used:  Science to be taught as a discrete subject with links to topic work made where relevant.   Scientific working skills to be taught before being applied to investigational science.  E.g. if an investigation involves recording temperature, teach how to use a thermometer/temperature probe first.  If recording results requires the use of a table, teach this skill first.   Where possible practical work/investigations be used to secure understanding. 

Recording and Marking - 

Work is recorded and marked in line with school policy. 

Scheme, resources and licenses -  

PLAN progression matrices to be used as a starting point.  These give an indication of prior and future learning as well as pinpointing exactly what needs to be taught at that particular moment.  Cornerstones - to be used as a resource not a scheme which is followed to the letter; Twinkl; STEM other internet sites e.g BBC bitesize. 

Teaching sequence in every class: 

Suggested but will need to be reviewed after discussion with other teachers and observation of science lessons.

NB

Skills involved with working scientifically need to be taught discreetly rather than as part of an investigation.  E.g. If you were investigating the effect of temperature on the speed at which salt dissolves in water, the children would need to have been taught the skill of accurately reading a thermometer first.  These should be fitted in as appropriate.

Suggested teaching sequence:

Updated April 2024