Science

Meet your Subject Leader

Mr. Clegg

I genuinely enjoy teaching Primary Science because it sparks children's curiosity and encourages them to explore the world around them. Our science curriculum emphasises hands-on investigations, allowing students to engage with scientific concepts through fun and interactive experiments. This practical approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also helps students develop important skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.

Intent

At Penwortham Primary School our Science curriculum is crafted to provide a challenging and purposeful science curriculum that is engaging and leads to a range of enquiry. Our aim is for all children to understand the world in which they live, equipping our children with the skills for the complexities of modern-day life. Science is a subject which enables children to achieve excellence through our school values: Aspire, Belong, Care, Discover.

At Penwortham Primary School we aim to:

Aspire: Encourage Aspirational change: Foster a culture of enquiry, allowing pupils to explore, encouraging them to be hands on, make links to real life, challenge stereotypes as well as building upon their own prior knowledge and learning across the curriculum.

Belong: Foster Belonging and Collaborative work: Build an inclusive environment where teamwork and open communication thrive, encouraging students to respect diverse ideas and perspectives as they collaboratively tackle science projects that promote a sense of belonging and shared ownership whilst researching and being immersed by a culturally diverse range of modern scientists.

Care: Create Caring and Sustainability Awareness: Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of all the science units and their importance in real life settings and the impact it has on their future. Ensuring they are aware of their environmental impact through lessons that emphasise ethical sourcing and recycling.

Discover: Discover and Develop Practical Skills: Ensure that every child masters a range of scientific skills and enquiry, using tools and materials safely and effectively, cultivating high standards of investigation and a sense of achievement through tangible outcomes in their enquiry.

Implementation

To deliver our intent effectively, we adopt a carefully structured and adaptive approach to the science curriculum, guided by the Primary National Curriculum and informed by the latest pedagogical research. The implementation strategies include:

Curriculum Design: Our science curriculum is designed with clear progression and coherence across key stages, incorporating a wide range of topics such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Each topic is linked to the overarching themes of the National Curriculum, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential knowledge and skills.
Experiential Learning: We emphasise hands-on, experiential learning opportunities where pupils engage in experiments, field studies, and practical investigations. This method enables pupils to actively participate in their learning, enhancing their understanding and retention of scientific concepts.
Differentiated Instruction: Recognising the diverse learning needs of our pupils, we employ varied pedagogical approaches, including direct instruction, inquiry-based learning, and collaborative group work. This differentiation ensures that all pupils, regardless of their starting points, can achieve success in science.
Assessment for Learning: We implement formative assessment strategies, including self-assessment and peer feedback, to monitor progress and inform future teaching. Summative assessments at the end of each unit allow for a comprehensive understanding of pupil learning.
Professional Development: Continuous professional development for staff is prioritised to ensure they remain informed about current scientific developments and effective teaching practices. This includes attending workshops, collaborating with science specialists, and engaging in professional learning communities.
Partnerships and Enrichment Opportunities: We foster partnerships with local scientific institutions and organisations, providing pupils access to workshops, science fairs, and expert speakers. This serves to enrich the curriculum and provide real-world contexts for scientific learning.

Impact

The impact of our science curriculum is evident through various measurable outcomes:

Pupil Engagement and Interest: Our pupils demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm for science, as evidenced by increased participation in science-focused extracurricular clubs, competitions, and events.
Academic Achievement: Some pupils attain above-average results in science assessments, with a proportion achieving the higher levels. Internal tracking systems show that progress is maintained year-on-year, with minimal attainment gaps across demographics.
Skills Development: Pupils demonstrate enhanced scientific skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to work collaboratively. Evaluative feedback from pupils shows they feel confident in conducting experiments and articulating scientific concepts.
Positive Attitudes towards Science: Regular surveys indicate a strong belief among pupils that science is enjoyable and relevant to their everyday lives. Pupils exhibit awareness of the importance of science in addressing global challenges, illustrating their engagement with topics like sustainability and conservation.
Community and Parental Involvement: Our commitment to science education has fostered strong community ties and parental engagement, as families participate in science evenings and workshops. Feedback from parents is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting their recognition of the school’s dedication to preparing pupils for future scientific endeavours.

In summary, our school’s science curriculum meets the standards outlined in Ofsted's inspection framework. Through our clear intent, effective implementation, and demonstrable impact, we provide a vibrant science education that prepares our pupils for future educational opportunities and encourages them to become informed and responsible citizens.