Intent

Through the teaching of Science at Healey we aim to inspire children to be inquisitive about the world around them: asking questions and working scientifically to find out why things happen and how things work. We also aim to inspire our pupils to continue to be inquisitive and foster aspirations within areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) beyond their primary school education.

By following the 2014 National Curriculum for Science we aims to ensure that all children:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
• are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. We understand that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that the knowledge can be taught through this.

We strive to ensure that pupils acquire knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes through the learning of science. As part of this, Working Scientifically skills are developed throughout their school career from Early Years to the end of Key Stage 2, so that they are able to use equipment, conduct experiments, build arguments and explain concepts with confidence and continue to ask questions and be curious about the world.

Implementation

Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:

• Science is taught through topic blocks that are linked to the 2014 National Curriculum. Some of these blocks are, where possible, linked to the over-arching theme being explored in the classroom. Where this is not possible, science topic blocks are taught discreetly. 
• Teachers understand that the multitude of knowledge, skills and understanding taught and learnt through the science curriculum (particularly in relation to "Working Scientifically") link seamlessly with those needed in other areas of learning and so lessons are cross curricular, where possible, and allow children many opportunities to practise their understanding beyond pure science lessons.
• Teachers plan engaging lessons, with high-quality resources, to aid understanding and allow for further development of knowledge and scientific skills. New vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching.
• Within lessons, children are encouraged to ask their own questions and are given opportunities to use their scientific knowledge to discover solutions, in addition to acquiring a deeper understanding of the topics being taught.
• As part of 'Working Scientifically',  teachers plan for the use of all 5 forms of scientific enquiry to be utilised regularly in science lessons, as well as across other curriculum areas. Across school, these forms of enquiry are identified and celebrated using the Science Superhero Squad characters, which can be seen on science display boards throughout school.
• Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and to assess children regularly, in order to identify those with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up.
• Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various "Working Scientifically" skills in order to embed scientific knowledge and understanding. To extend children’s scientific enquiry further, teachers provide opportunities for outdoor learning,  visits from expert scientists and educational visits linked to the science topic blocks being taught. This includes accessing expertise from the high schools that are part of our multi academy trust.

Impact

Successful, high quality teaching and learning in science at Healey JIN School results in fun, engaging and valuable learning experiences that inspire and equip our children to continue to be curious about the world around them, as they move beyond primary education. Pupils are able to apply their scientific knowledge, understanding and skills beyond the context of science lessons and such are able to use their success in the learning of science to other areas, both curricular and extra-curricular. They develop aspirations within the world of scientific careers by being exposed to a variety of experts and experiences related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Science in the Early Years

Within Early Years at Healey, Science is explored through the children’s understanding of the world and elements of technology. Children have access to a range of materials that work in different ways for various purposes both inside and in our outdoor learning environment. We provide opportunities for children to question, wonder, explore, discover, experiment and observe through direct experiences both in our continuous provision and through small group work. The children are introduced to scientific vocabulary, are asked open-ended questions, are encouraged to make predictions and given opportunities to question.

The Lead Teacher for Science is Mrs Bowers.