‘Science is what young children do: they experiment and discover.’ 

Science Vision Statement  

At Aston Clinton School, we aim to give children a passion for life-long scientific learning and a natural curiosity and engagement with the world around them. Our vision for science is based on our school principles of ‘Aspire, Care and Succeed’ and our belief that all learning should be engaging, enquiry based and enjoyable while developing knowledge and skills and giving equal opportunity to all. 

We believe that science at Aston Clinton School should enable children to ask questions and plan their own investigations in order to discover the answers. Lessons should be taught in a creative way, to spark the natural curiosity of children, by teachers who are confident and well prepared. We believe that children should be able to relate the science that they learn to their own lives and that lessons must be well- resourced and utilise the rich resources of our school site and those of the surrounding area. 

Intent

In our rapidly evolving world, science is a vital part of our curriculum intention. Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It also satisfies their curiosity with knowledge which increases engagement and enjoyment of learning. Because science links direct practical experience with ideas, it can engage learners at many levels. Scientific method is about enquiry, developing and evaluating explanations through experimental evidence and exploration, and communicating ideas in a variety of written and oral ways. Pupils learn to question and discuss science-based issues that may affect their own lives, the direction of society and the future of the world. Science also engages children collaboratively, increasing their oral and listening skills, giving them opportunities to explore other points of view. Through this, they build self-worth and confidence. Other aspects of the Science curriculum include research into the diversity of notable scientists and discoveries, and gaining more understanding of the human body and how to keep healthy. Throughout the curriculum, scientific language and communication are key.  

Implementation

The science curriculum is planned and sequenced using the National Curriculum so that the new knowledge and skills the children are learning build upon what they have been taught before, whilst preparing them for what will come next. Scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic the children study and are revisited and developed throughout their time at school from EYFS ‘Understanding of the World’ through to year 6. All children are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations, as well as being encouraged to question the world around them and become independent learners in exploring possible answers for their scientific based questions. We nurture children’s curiosity and inspire them to develop an appreciation for science. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built up, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged.  

High-quality planning and teaching using a range of resources will develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of a topic building towards the end points. Children’s knowledge is continually assessed throughout, with the use of retrieval quizzes and activities, and is embedded by the use of knowledge organisers, which are used throughout the school from Year 1 to Year 6. Through retrieval, the teacher is able to assess for any gaps in learning, ensuring that all concepts and information are embedded.

Impact

The success of Science at Aston Clinton School can be measured by the fascination our children have in the world around them; a wonder for the rich and extensive knowledge they have acquired, underpinned by deep conceptual and procedural knowledge within each scientific discipline: physics, chemistry and biology.  This ensures that children have the necessary skills to 'be scientists' and that they develop a passion for science in later life.

Class teachers assess children formatively against each curriculum statement using the progression document and the knowledge organisers for each unit of work.

Overviews and Sample Knowledge Organisers

For more details about your child's learning, please use the following link to the year group learning pages.