Cedar Tree
Federation
Science
We are delighted that Pinhoe was awarded the Primary Science bronze Quality Mark in September 2023.
Intent
At Pinhoe Primary, we strive to encourage children to not only reach their best academically, but also to develop a thirst for knowledge and foster a love of learning. Science teaching at Pinhoe Primary School strives to inspire all children to see themselves as scientists.
We endeavour to provide children with a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses of Science, today and for the future. We believe that an understanding of the world can be ignited by curiosity, developed through observations and explored through practical investigations. Science in our school is about exploring children’s ideas and big questions to enable them to make sense of their world. Through weekly science lessons, we aim to equip children with a strong foundation of scientific knowledge. This knowledge is then deepened through the development of essential scientific enquiry skills.
We endeavour to ensure that the science curriculum we provide will inspire children to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences.
Implementation
We believe that science needs to be investigative and enquiry led with a strong supporting context and relevant to the lives of our children.
In order to inspire curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, our science teaching begins with a question. Enquiry based skills are embedded and revisited to enable children to build upon prior knowledge. Science learning is investigative and practical, it is independent and collaborative. We aim to embed and deepen scientific knowledge and skills through practical investigations; regularly using TAPS to develop working scientifically skills. We understand and recognise that vocabulary plays a key part in expressing scientific understanding clearly. By providing children with the context, knowledge and skills, we aim to increase independence within their learning.
We strive to, where possible, link science to class topics so that children can make links with their learning as well as devising plans to ensure progression and depth. In both RE and PSHE, children will learn and revisit the importance of our world and how it should be treated. By asking the “bigger” questions, children as scientists, develop a personal sense of responsibility for the natural world.
Impact
Children will be excited by and engaged in their science learning. They will see themselves as scientists and children will be able to talk confidently and enthusiastically about their scientific experiences and how their skills have developed. To progress our teaching, teachers will share good practise. Impact will be measured by the children’s understanding of the difference they can make both locally and globally.