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Bryn Offa CE Primary School

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'Let your Light Shine'Matthew 5:16

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Science

Science

 

 Intent

At Bryn Offa Primary School, our vision for science is to develop curious and inquisitive learners, who use their scientific skills and knowledge to understand the world around them. We aim to provide a stimulating environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and engage in hands-on investigations. Our curriculum should cover key scientific concepts and principles, ensuring that students develop a solid foundation in science. We will emphasise the importance of observation, analysis, and problem-solving, helping students to think critically and make informed decisions.

 Additionally, children should be taught to respect and admire living organisms and the natural world around them. We aim to instil a sense of responsibility towards the environment, teaching students about sustainability and the impact of human activities on our planet. Through group projects and discussions, students will learn to work collaboratively and communicate their ideas effectively. Our approach includes integrating science with other subjects, such as design and technology, mathematics, computing and PSHCE to provide a holistic learning experience. We are committed to inclusive education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or abilities, have access to high-quality science education. Our goal is to nurture confident, knowledgeable, and inquisitive young scientists who are prepared to contribute positively to the world around them.

 By fostering a love for science, we aim to develop students' critical thinking skills and environmental awareness. We believe that by encouraging enquiry and exploration, we can help our students become lifelong learners who are passionate about understanding and protecting the natural world. Ultimately, science at Bryn Offa should prepare pupils to understand the use and implications of science, today and for the future.

Implementation

At Bryn Offa Primary School, our science curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. We aim to provide a high-quality science education that equips our students with the foundational knowledge and skills they need to understand the world around them.

  •  Our science curriculum is aligned with national standards and tailored to meet the needs of our students. We have designed a progressive curriculum that introduces students to increasingly complex concepts and skills as they advance through their primary education, whilst accounting for our mixed-year classes. Within Reception, the children begin to incorporate the building blocks, through the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, needed to access our science curriculum.
  • Children are taught the key vocabulary for their topic, and they are encouraged to apply this terminology in oral discussions and in their written work. Each class has a working wall, which allows the children to see this vocabulary, as well as the scientific skills they are developing.
  • Students participate in regular experiments and practical activities to reinforce their theoretical knowledge and develop their scientific skills. Pupils are encouraged to present their findings in a systematic, scientific manner, including diagrams, graphs, charts and the use of technology. Developing the children’s scientific skills is considered central to each science lesson, as this gives children the building blocks, they need to be successful in science at secondary school, and it is also where they can let their natural curiosity and inquisitiveness flourish. The children are taught to respect the materials and resources they have access to, to ensure their own and others’ safety.
  • Our students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and conduct investigations to find answers. Throughout each academic year, children have access to a variety of enquiry types: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources. At Bryn Offa, pupils spend time researching scientists, key scientific discoveries and how scientific ideas have developed over time. This allows the children to see the real-world application of scientific knowledge, whilst also encouraging them to view science as a potential career path.
  • Wherever possible, educational visits are linked to the current topic being taught in that class. We have visited Treflach Farm, Blue Planet Aquarium, The Exotic Zoo, Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, RAF Cosford and Chester Zoo to enrich our curriculum and increase the children’s cultural capital. Bryn Offa has a beautiful setting; this is used extensively. Throughout their time at Bryn Offa, the children visit the Llanymynech Heritage Area multiple times as this reinforces their learning in a wide range of areas, including seasonal changes, habitats, animals, plants and rocks.
  • Science lessons are integrated with other subjects such as mathematics, technology, PSHCE, Geography, computing and English to provide a well-rounded education. We utilise our school grounds and local environment, particularly through forest school, for outdoor learning experiences, allowing students to observe and investigate natural phenomena firsthand. We emphasise the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability, helping students understand their role in protecting our planet.
  • Continuous teacher assessment and constructive feedback are integral to our approach, ensuring that each student’s progress is monitored and supported. This approach also helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement, guiding their learning journey.
  • Our teachers receive ongoing professional development to stay updated with the latest advancements in science education. This ensures that they are well-equipped to deliver high-quality instruction and support to our students.
  • We are committed to providing an inclusive education that meets the needs of all students. Differentiated instruction and support are provided to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, can succeed in science.
  • We believe that education is a partnership between the school, parents, and the community. We actively involve parents in their children's learning through Thumbs up Thursdays (short lessons which parents can join) and regular communication. We also collaborate with our local secondary school, The Marches, allowing our Year 5 pupils to take part in a yearly STEM day.

 At Bryn Offa Primary School, we are committed to providing a stimulating and supportive environment where every student can develop a strong foundation in science. Through our engaging and comprehensive curriculum, we aim to nurture inquisitive minds and prepare our students for future scientific endeavours.

Impact

 Bryn Offa’s broad and engaging science curriculum allows children to understand the world around them due to the use of resources, trips, workshops and visitors. It equips them to be enthusiastic and confident science learners, with knowledge, vocabulary and skills, which are vital to the worlds and their own future prosperity. Pupils are inquisitive, critical thinkers, who enjoy problem solving. Our students are confident in their abilities to explore and understand scientific phenomena. They develop independence and resilience, essential traits for lifelong learning. Our emphasis on environmental education instills a sense of responsibility and stewardship in our students. They become aware of the importance of sustainability and are motivated to take action to protect our planet.

 The impact of our science curriculum allows children to make outstanding progress throughout their time in Bryn Offa, relative to their individual starting points and specific learning needs. Our goal is for all children to reach at least age-related expectations for science. Currently, the majority of our children leave Bryn Offa at the age expected standard for science. Staff have the skills to anticipate potential misconceptions and address these confidently. This is evidenced through: pupil voice, children’s work, staff discussions, book monitoring, assessment data, lesson observations and staff and pupils’ enjoyment for science. All of this evidence is gathered and analysed to allow the curriculum, planning and the School Development Plan to be adjusted as needed.

 Students, teachers, and parents share a common goal of fostering a love for science and learning. Parental feedback from our Thumbs Up Thursday sessions shows that both the parents and children enjoy science at Bryn Offa, particularly the experiments. By nurturing a passion for science from an early age, we inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Our students are encouraged to dream big and pursue their interests with confidence and determination. Many children comment they hope to be astronauts, doctors and nurses in the future. Through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, we cultivate a love for science, develop essential skills, and prepare our students for a bright and successful future.

Useful Websites

Here are some useful websites for you to support your child's science learning at home:

 Progression in Science

 

progression of science.pdf

 

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