Science Policy
Greasby Infant School
Science Policy
Mission Statement
We aim to provide a happy, relaxed environment where children are encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential and to develop an attitude of care and responsibility towards others and their surroundings.
We ensure that the children in this school will attain the highest standards of which they are capable. We encourage the children to be independent and self-confident and we believe that this can be achieved more readily when teachers and parents work together in partnership.
Introduction
As stated by the DfE; “the principal focus of science teaching in key stage 1 is to enable pupils to experience and observe phenomena, looking more closely at the natural and humanly-constructed world around them. They should be encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice. They should be helped to develop their understanding of scientific ideas by using different types of scientific enquiry to answer their own questions, including observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things, and carrying out simple comparative tests.”
Our aims and objectives
The aims of teaching science at Greasby Infant School are to enable the children to:
- Develop their enjoyment and interest in science.
- Develop their understanding of key scientific concepts and scientific skills.
- Understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
- Effectively communicate scientific ideas by using the correct scientific vocabulary.
- Develop, through practical work, the skills of working scientifically.
Assessment & record keeping
Teacher assessment is crucial in determining the pupils’ level of attainment. In addition to the summative assessment required at the end of key stage one, formative judgments concerning pupils’ achievements are necessary to assess in the planning of future learning activities.
Assessment of key stage one pupils are carried out upon the completion of each unit of work. The children are assessed against the progressive objectives using the focus files documentation. Teachers record whether each child has achieved the expected standard for each unit of work. At the end of the year this data will inform the overall judgement as to whether the child has achieved the expected standard in Science.
Assessments of the children’s knowledge and understanding of the world in the Foundation Stage are made on a regular basis through observations during continuous provision. Assessments are monitored termly by the Head teacher.
The role of the teacher
The teacher will:
- Provide opportunities for children to investigate scientific problems. Investigations will be linked to the year group’s current theme where possible, in order to provide further context for learning.
- Plan well-paced, properly resourced, exciting and interactive science lessons that are correctly differentiated where necessary, in order to ensure all pupils are both supported and challenged.
- Facilitate opportunities for children to raise questions and discuss their ideas in groups with their peers, so that they may learn from one another and refine their thinking.
- Encourage situations where children can discuss their ideas with the teacher, and review evidence that has been gathered, in order to consolidate knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts.
- Ensure that science is appropriately timetabled so good coverage is taught during each term.
The role of the teaching assistant
The teaching assistant will:
- Support small groups or individual children during science activities in order to focus their attention and develop specific skills and knowledge.
- Support less able groups or individuals when conducting and recording scientific investigations.
- The teaching assistant can also be responsible for collecting and preparing resources.
Health and safety
Greasby Infant School follows Wirral Local Authority Health & Safety guidelines and documents which can be found in the Headteacher’s office.
Each year group assess the risks involved in all activities. When appropriate, risk assessments will be written and kept in year group planning files. Additional copies will be kept by the head teacher and can be found on the risk assessment file.
Equal Opportunities
The Wirral Science scheme and Foundation Stage activities provides a broad and balanced curriculum that helps to eliminate sex stereotyping and encourages the equal involvement of both boys and girls. We strive to deliver a curriculum which takes into account ethnic and cultural diversity.
Name: Lauren Pollitt
Date: Autumn 2020