SCIENCE

At Fairway Primary school our intent is to deliver a science curriculum which focuses on increasing children’s knowledge and understanding of our world, develop their natural curiosity and instil a sense of awe and wonder.  The process of enquiry is central to our science curriculum.  Through this approach we aim to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in the scientific disciplines: biology, physics and chemistry.

At Fairway, children EXPLORE scientific ideas and phenomenon, discover and KNOW key scientific truths and COMMUNICATE their science learning confidently and effectively.

During their learning journey at Fairway we want children to develop an understanding of the following key concepts:

• observing over time
• pattern seeking
• identifying, classifying and grouping
• comparative and fair testing
• research using secondary sources
• explaining

We aim to develop science capital in our learners in order to to show them the varied future career paths that use science. In addition, to prepare them for the next stage of their education, as well as becoming responsible citizens and possible future scientists.

Inclusion is at the core of our vision and ethos. We have developed opportunities to consider the nine protected characteristics of the Equality Act, British Values and children’s development of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education throughout our science curriculum. We look to develop children’s awareness about the lives of others and this work is constantly changing and developing.

Science learning at Fairway Primary School is carefully planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills build on prior learning and provides progression towards end of year and end of key stage expectations.

The organisation of the science curriculum allows children’s knowledge, understanding and skills to develop over time. We aim to make connections between knowledge and concepts within and across the scientific disciplines.

Science lessons are planned to:

• build on prior knowledge.
• encourage children to think about their learning, to reflect on previous learning and make connections between new and existing learning.
• give clear learning objectives and success criteria.
• develop the children’s vocabulary, with adults effectively modelling precise and scientific language.
• give children opportunities to explore scientific processes, phenomena and concepts through asking questions and finding the answers through a range of scientific enquiry.
• give opportunities for children to work collaboratively in pairs or groups as well as work independently.
• use effective questioning to check levels of understanding. 
• give children opportunities to communicate what they have learnt.

We aim to support all children to reach their full potential by enabling children to overcome barriers to learning. Assessment is used to inform next steps in learning to ensure that children are building on their prior knowledge and making appropriate progress according to their ability and age.

Our science curriculum enables children to:

• develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery;
• acquire knowledge and understanding of the world through exploration and play;
• acquire knowledge of scientific vocabulary;
• acquire 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.