Boynton Primary School

Science

For progression in skills and knowledge, please follow the 'progression' tab.

Intent

At Boynton Primary School we believe that a high quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. As one of the core subjects taught in primary schools, we give the teaching and learning of science the prominence it requires and recognise its importance in every aspect of daily life.  The scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world and with developing the skills associated with science as a process of enquiry.  Through building up a body of key  knowledge and concepts, pupils develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena and are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes. We want children to be inquistive scientists, ask questions and seek answers through scientific study.

Implementation

In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in science, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school.  Planning for science gives full coverage of ‘The National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Science and ‘Understanding of the World’ in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Science teaching at Boynton Primary School involves adapting and extending the curriculum to match all pupils’ needs and where possible, is linked to class topics over a two year rolling programme.  Science is taught consistently, once a week for up to two hours, but is also taught in many different contexts throughout other areas of the curriculum such as PSHE and Geography.

We ensure that all children are provided with rich learning experiences that aim to prepare them for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world and encourage the investigative skills of observation, prediction, experimentation, explanation and evaluation.

Where appropriate, children's understanding of science is furthered through the use of visits, visitors, links with secondary schools, STEM workshops and/or field work. The curriculum allows children to understand that science has real use and value in their world and that scientists (historically and now) come from a range of diverse backgrounds.