Science

What does Science look like at Hornbeam Primary School?

Intent

At Hornbeam Primary School, our intent is to:

· Provide a high-quality, broad and balanced science education.

· Secure and extend scientific knowledge.

· Develop working scientifically skills.

· Promote a love of science and inspire pupils to consider a future career in science.

· Equip pupils with not only the minimum statutory requirements of the science National Curriculum but to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

What can Hornbeam pupils expect from their science lessons?

At Hornbeam Primary School we believe that science provides children with excitement and curiosity about the world around them. We encourage the children to be inquisitive and try to find out answers to the questions they have. We give the children opportunities within the curriculum to observe, question, gain skills and develop scientific knowledge and understanding. Where possible lessons are practical and we encourage children to make links with their previous learning. Every child will learn about famous scientist in their time at Hornbeam and will understand the impact that they have had on their life today. Key vocabulary is displayed around the classroom and children refer to the class tool kit to reinforce their skills and knowledge. Previous knowledge is revisited at the start of each lesson and future knowledge discussed at the end in preparation for the following lesson.

Curriculum enrichment at Hornbeam

We also give children additional experiences and opportunities by having visitors to the school and having themed days or weeks where skills, alongside awe and wonder can be developed. A number of our curriculum trips have a science element to them to develop science skills outside of the classroom. (Pfizer, Wildwood) We use our extensive school grounds to enrich the children’s leaning by visiting the pond area, allotments, flower beds and out school woodland.

Links to other curriculum subjects

Maths – Measuring, collecting and analysing data, finding averages and comparisons.

Literacy – Reading information texts, instructions, and explanations, writing reports, predictions, conclusions, and explanations and developing scientific vocabulary and speaking skills through discussion

Geography – Studying weather, climate, and the environment. Understanding habitats, ecosystems, and sustainability and exploring how humans affect the planet

Computing - Using technology to research safely (photos, spreadsheets, graphs) and using simple data logging and coding (e.g. monitoring temperature or light)

Scheme of work

We use the Updated Kent Primary Science scheme of work (2023) to deliver our science lessons.

Pupil Voice

KS1

“I like science because we do fun experiments.”

“I liked when we made a volcano because it exploded!”

“Science is my favourite because we get to mix things.”

“I want to learn about dinosaurs and space.”

KS2

“I enjoy science most when we do practical experiments, especially if we go outside.”

“I like working in groups because we can share ideas.”

“I liked learning about electricity because we made circuits.”