Science
At Thameside we recognise the importance of science in all aspects of life. The Science curriculum fosters curiosity in children and we encourage all children to be inquisitive learners. We provide opportunities for children to acquire and develop key scientific knowledge and skills through an exciting curriculum. We ensure that Working Scientifically skills are taught and developed throughout the children’s time at Thameside, so they can use equipment, conduct experiments, explain concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about the world around them. Our curriculum is designed to build on previous learning experiences to ensure children retain skills and knowledge and are able to make links within the science curriculum and with other subjects.
What makes Science different at Thameside?
Our curriculum has been designed with our children and setting in mind. We use the wider community to develop our children’s understanding of science capital and have a strong relationship with Abingdon School and the Abingdon Science Partnership. Our children get to experience science hands-on though workshops and off-site visits to enrich their experiences and understanding of scientific concepts.
What are lessons like?
Science is taught at Thameside in single year groups as stand-alone lessons. We endeavour to teach key scientific skills to our children through a knowledge rich programme of study, seeking to deepen their understanding of the world around them. Teachers are aware of prior and subsequent learning and use this knowledge to plan activities that develop children’s skills within each focus area.
Children learn through:
· Practical and investigative activities - where independence is developed as they move through school.
· Questioning - children are challenged to deepen their understanding and challenge their findings.
· Visits and visitors – we aim to enrich our curriculum and give children first-hand experiences and the chance to develop their science capital.
Children learn how to become scientists. Teachers ensure that children understand how their lesson fits into science in the wider world and make links with STEM careers when possible.
What do we mean by progress?
Progress is measured through a child’s ability to know more, remember more, and explain more. Our curriculum is designed to build on prior knowledge and skills and our long-term plans reflect this, showing how scientific skills are developed and built upon each year. Children learn specific vocabulary for each topic and are challenged to remember previously learnt vocabulary each lesson.
What do we mean by assessment?
Assessment at Thameside relates to the National Curriculum requirements of both scientific knowledge and the skills of working scientifically.
Short-term assessments
Each lesson, teachers make informal assessments to assess understanding and identify and correct any misconceptions. This allows teachers to adapt their planning or carry out 1:1 intervention if needed.
Long-term assessments
At the end of each year, summative judgements are made by the class teacher based on teaching and assessment throughout the year. They are then shared with the child’s teacher for the following year.