Science
Here at Queen Elizabeth’s Primary School, our Science Curriculum has been designed with our children in mind and we are proud of our Primary Science Quality Mark Award. Our intent is to create scientists who are not afraid to try new things. We provide opportunities for pupils to investigate, ask questions and seek answers; working independently and collaboratively, with and without the class teacher. We give pupils the chance to explore the world around them and encourage them to take risks by using their classrooms, our specially designed Science Lab and our outdoor spaces.
From EYFS to Year 6 pupils are given opportunities to explore and investigate a variety of equipment and phenomena. We ensure that opportunities for the 5 lines of enquiry underpin each lesson and provide children with the chance to look at a variety of research and scientists.
A typical Science lesson uses one of the 5 lines of enquiry which is built upon in each year group. Teachers will ask open questions and pupils are encouraged to explore and investigate ideas for themselves and either verbally discuss or record in books using the following structure, where it allows:
Question – Pupils will identify the question based on the equipment provided, prior knowledge and hints from their teachers.
Equipment – Practical equipment will be provided to the pupils, further up school in years 5 and 6 pupils will be given more than what they need. If a pupil asks for something additional this will be provided wherever possible. Pupils will be given both scientific and ICT equipment.
Method – Pupils will suggest their method with increasing independence. Class teachers will offer hints however, the method will be down to the pupils.
Fair test – Pupils will discuss how to make the test fair, they will explain their choices with increasing scientific language.
Variables – Pupils will decide which variables will stay the same and which will change for their own investigations.
Prediction – Pupils are encouraged to think about their prediction carefully, they will be asked questions by the teacher which are designed to make them think carefully about what they predict.
Results – Pupils will record their results in a variety of ways from statements, tables, graphs and photos. In KS2 pupils are encourage to think of how they would record their results and in KS1 this is dictated by the teacher.
Conclusion – Pupils will use good scientific vocabulary to explain what they have found out. Pupils will begin to search for reasons why things have occurred and will be able to comment on their prediction.
Each year group will have a specific focus which they will meet by the end of Trinity 2 to help build up their investigations:
| EYFS | Areas in Continuous Provision will be set up for pupils to explore Scientific elements and these should be recorded on Tapestry alongside a photograph |
| Year 1 | Guided investigations – whole class and small groups
Verbal discussion: Written: |
| Year 2 | Guided investigations – whole class and small groups
Verbal discussion: Written: |
| Year 3 | Guided investigations – whole class and small groups
Written: |
| Year 4 | Teacher prompts for investigations – whole class and small groups
Written: |
| Year 5 & 6 | Independent investigations in small groups
Written: |
Each half term at least one science lesson is taught outdoors following a specific timetable. During these sessions, pupils will explore nature and use this to enhance their understanding of the links to real life situations.
In addition to Science lessons as part of the curriculum, all classes take part in National Science Week activities. This gives pupils a chance to participate in some wild and wacky science experiments and investigations without the formal lesson structure. These include making elephant tooth paste, making lava lamps, racing balloons and launching rockets to name a few.
