Science at Belton All Saints
Developing the skills needed to work Scientifically and experiencing hands on Science is a key priority at Belton All Saints Primary School. We ensure this this by:
- Giving pupils regular, high quality, hands-on practical experiences across the whole Science curriculum.
- Breaking down the skills of Scientific Enquiry and carefully matching them to appropriate scientific concepts and topics in each phase and year group.
- Ensuring that pupils carry out full investigations, tests and experiments in each year for each topic (where possible)
- Encouraging curiosity and child-lead questioning and investigations where possible.
See our Science Intent Statement at the bottom of this page.
Science Week at Belton All Saints
The theme of this year’s Science week was 'Growth'. The children in all classes took part in a range of hands-on experiments and exploratative activities.
The children in the Early Years Foundation Stage explored the differences between themselves as babies, compared to how they look now and they made baby cress heads with hair that actually grew!
The children in Year 6 made blood and discussed what the composition of blood is and how this could be represented.
Engineer visit
An important element of our Science intent is to develop the knowledge and skills of the children to become life-long learners. We are very lucky to have volunteers who are willing to come into school and share their experiences through a range of STEM activities. During Science week one of our parents inspired the children to think about engineering as a possible future career. Mrs Snell shared her expertise in the field of using greener energy to power homes.
What our pupils said:
"I enjoyed how all the power was made and learning about how water can be transmitted into electricity." Leo – year 5
"When coal was used, it made poisonous gasses. Now they use biomass it is much better for the environment." Kai- Year 3
"I enjoyed learning how electricity works and the journey it takes to get to our houses so they can be powered." Pavan- Year 3
Learning about healthy teeth in Year 1
Science Curriculum
At Belton All Saints Primary School, excellence in teaching and enjoyment of learning is at the heart of what we do. In our rapidly evolving world Science is a vital part of our curriculum intention. At Belton All Saints Primary School we believe that Science is not a collection of inert facts but the accumulation of knowledge for subsequent learning which is led through enquiry and by working scientifically. It is our belief that Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It also satisfies their curiosity with knowledge. As Science links direct practical experience with ideas, it engages our learners at many levels. Scientific investigation is based on developing and evaluating explanations through experimental evidence and modelling. 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.
The curriculum that we follow in Science is the National Curriculum. This ensures that the design of our curriculum for Science meets the national expectations set out for Key Stages 1 and 2 and, to support us in doing this, we use a range of teaching materials and resources including National Curriculum standards for Science and STEM activity and planning tools
The National curriculum programmes of study can be found here: National curriculum in England: science programmes of study - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Science at our School focuses on Scientific knowledge and enquiry; carrying out tests and experiments, researching, observing, problem solving, grouping and classifying. We deliver this through a well planned and sequenced curriculum that links to our half termly themes, from EYFS through to Year 6
Our whole school topic overview including Science coverage can be found here
Our Science progression map can be found here:
Our Science vocabulary map can be found here
Useful websites where children can learn more about Science:
Science Curriculum Intent
Curriculum Intent
Here at Belton and Wroot Primary School Federation our curriculum is based on what we know is best for our pupils.
All pupils are afforded the opportunity to grow and succeed, through our enriched curriculum. This is underpinned by our core Christian values.
Commitment to our pupils is fulfilled through our high aspiration, passion and drive and is founded upon 4 key principles:
1.To unlock children’s true potential
We aim to develop confident, resilient, inquisitive, independent & knowledgeable children through the delivery of a coherent & structured Enquiry Based curriculum which builds on prior learning. Individuals are challenged to reach their true potential and be ready for the next stage in their education.
In science we will do this through:
- A scheme of work that focuses on specific and relevant vocabulary, sticky knowledge and exciting books – Focus Learning Curriculum.
- A clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum.
- A scheme of work that is progressive and develops enquiry skills and knowledge, in the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
- Opportunities to develop the progression of enquiry skills, predicting, observing, investigating and analysing
- Opportunity for children to work independently and collaboratively.
- Lessons that are practical and investigation based.
- Use of questioning to deepen understanding.
2. For children to flourish as unique and well-rounded individuals
We aim to foster happy and healthy children within a safe environment that are given the help they need to learn, grow and achieve as much as they possibly can in an atmosphere which nourishes a healthy mind and body.
In science we will do this through:
- Providing opportunities for whole school and class enrichment.
- Providing a curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils (including SEND and PP).
- To develop links with STEM Ambassadors.
3. For children to develop their skills as life-long learners
We aim to provide a broad, balanced curriculum with a wide variety of experiences which nurture the talents of our children to become creative, enquiring learners and effective communicators who aspire
In science we will do this through:
- Ensured that staff are equipped with the necessary professional development to deliver our Curriculum.
- Planned opportunities for home learning tasks to consolidate and extend knowledge and skills.
- Opportunity for staff to network with other colleagues throughout the Belton-Wroot Federation.
- Extra-curricular opportunities to participate in Science
- A subject leader in each school who monitors teaching and learning to improve standards and outcomes.
- Specific children to experience the environment outdoors through planned Forest school activities.
4. For children to widen their horizons and develop as responsible local and Global citizens
‘We aim to help our children appreciate their role as part of our community. To ask questions, make informed choices and to take responsibility for the decisions they make. As a result, fostering an awareness of the difference they can make as local & global citizens.
In science we will do this through:
- Opportunities for whole school and class enrichment – WOW activities.
- Planned opportunities to learn Science within a wider context alongside other Curriculum subjects – e.g STEM
- Governors who liaise with the subject leader to monitor and improve standards.
- For children to widen their horizons and develop as responsible local and global citizens, using big questions which enables children to become enquiry based learners.
If you would like to know more about the ]Science curriculum at our school or if you have any questions about the work we do in Science please contact the Science subject leader (Mrs Turner) at the school.