Science

Vision

Kader Academy aims to develop little people who feel safe and happy. We want them to develop a strong sense of pride, not only in themselves, but of their local area and its heritage. We value the importance of strong relationships with our families and our sense of community is at the heart of all we do. We know that our diversity is our strength and we will strive to ensure that the children’s compassion and kindness makes the world a better place. We will inspire curiosity through engaging experiences that promote a profound love of learning. We want them to know that their learning knows no bounds and with self-belief and determination, they can achieve the impossible

Kader aims for all children to: be engaged, excited and ask thoughtful questions about science; make links with their science learning to other subjects and real life; be given the freedom and confidence to explore, investigate and experiment; use a variety of ways to show and explain our scientific knowledge and understanding; are excited to share our knowledge and skills with everybody.

Intent: Why our Science curriculum looks like this

At Kader Academy, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires.

The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

At Kader Academy, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:

  • Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics;
  • Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them;
  • Be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
  • Develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.
  • Develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.

Develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.

The National Curriculum will provide a structure and skill development for the science curriculum being taught throughout the school, which is now linked, where possible to the Cornerstones topics to provide a creative scheme of work, which reflects a balanced programme of study. We encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school and beyond. The Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills.

At Kader Academy:
Children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, using various programmes of study and resources. In Early years, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as educational visits to further develop children’s science knowledge. Furthermore, these trips allow children to see and experience science in action and/or real life science, helping to further enhance their science learning for example: visits to Hartlepool Power Station, visits to the farm etc. We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences.

Implementation: How we will achieve this

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science.

We ensure that teachers have excellent subject knowledge, and leadership supports that acquisition of this for NQT’s. Teachers carefully check learning and identify misconceptions, providing direct feedback. Teaching is designed to ensure children know more and remember more. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and are given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning, so that all children keep up. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence. Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s time at primary school and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in-keeping with the topics. Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts. In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in science, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. Teachers are provided with an additional three staff meeting sessions in addition to their PPA, to plan their curriculum. As part of this planning process, teachers need to plan the following:

  • A knowledge organiser which outlines knowledge (including vocabulary) all children must master;
  • A cycle of lessons for each subject, which carefully plans for progression and depth; A low stakes quiz which is tested regularly to support learners’ ability to block learning and increase space in the working memory;
  • Trips and visits from experts who will enhance the learning experience.
  • Undertake necessary CPD
Impact: The approach at Kader will ensure that:

The successful approach at Kader Academy results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world. Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first hand experiences of the world around them. So much of science lends itself to outdoor learning and so we provide children with opportunities to experience this. Through various trips and interactions with experts, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our connection with national agencies such as the STEM association. If children are keeping up with the curriculum, they are deemed to be making good or better progress. In addition, we measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

  • A celebration of learning for each topic which demonstrates the progress each child has made (mindmaps);
  • Tracking of knowledge post learning quizzes;
  • Pupil discussions about their learning;

Pupil voice is also used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning of pupil’s views and attitudes to Science to support the children’s enjoyment of science and to motivate learners.