Science

The 2014 National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all children:

  • develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
  • 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
  • are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. We understand that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that the knowledge can be taught through this

At Gallions, we encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school and beyond. The Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about the world around them and promotes respect for the living and non-living. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.

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. We believe that science is best taught through practical activities. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;

  • Science will be taught in planned and arranged topic blocks and have a project-based approach. This is a strategy to enable the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge.
  • Using the Progression Statements, we build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years.
  • Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching.
  • Children are offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities, visits, trips and visitors to complement and broaden the curriculum. These are purposeful and link with the knowledge being taught in class.

Regular events, such as Science Week or project days, such as Grand Finales, allow all pupils to come off-timetable, to provide broader provision and the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills. These events often involve families and the wider community.

The successful approach at Gallions Primary results in a fun, engaging science education that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world and asking further questions. Our engagement with the local environment and world issues such as climate change ensures that children learn through varied and first hand experiences of the world around them.

To find out more about how science is taught progressively at Gallions please read here