Science

Subject Intent

At Dunston, it is our intention to recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. We give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires. Science is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of our children, encouraging respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence. We intend to build a Science curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge and build a Science curriculum which, enables children to become enquiry based learners.

Subject Implementation

In the Early Years, teaching topics are formulated based on the children’s interests. These topics are designed to give opportunities for children to experience and develop interest in science. In years 1 to 6, the National Curriculum forms the starting point for our planning and provision.

We use the Kent Primary Science scheme of work as a basis for our science learning. 

There are 4 key concepts which run through the teaching and learning of science in all year groups. These are:

• Being scientific - investigating in a systematic and methodical way;
• Life - the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter;
• Matter - physical substance which occupies space and possesses mass;
• Energy - power derived from physical or chemical resources.

Pupils have access to key language and meanings in order to understand and readily apply to their written and verbal communication of their skills. Pupils will use a range of resources to develop their knowledge and understanding that is integral to their learning and develop their understanding of working scientifically. They will reflect on previous learning and cross curricular links will be made wherever possible and will be able to build on prior knowledge and link ideas together, enabling them to question and become enquiry based learners. Attainment will be assessed each half term through related topic assessment tasks.

Subject Impact

Pupils will retain knowledge that is pertinent to Science with a real life context and they will be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.  They will work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment and our pupils will be able to explain the process they have taken and be able to reason scientifically.