Science

Intent

At Manor Park, Science is taught through the vehicle of Cornerstones Curriculum 22 Mini Learning Projects which are adapted to meet the needs of all of our pupils. 

Through Science teaching and learning we aim to develop:

• a positive attitude towards Science and an awareness of its fascination
• an understanding of Science through a process of enquiry and investigation
• confidence and competence in scientific knowledge, concepts and skills
• an ability to reason, predict, think logically and to work systematically and accurately
• an ability to communicate scientifically
• the initiative to work both independently and in cooperation with others
• the ability and understanding to use and apply science across the curriculum and real life.

Our Science curriculum is planned to provide all students, including disadvantaged and SEND pupils, the knowledge and skills to be successful in further education and their intended careers. Through the Cornerstone Mini Projects, 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.

Pupils’ knowledge and development of skills in Science are carefully mapped to be built upon and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of Science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently. As scientists, our pupils aim to be critical thinkers that question and extend their knowledge through engagement in working scientifically.

At Manor Park, we have an electronic Science knowledge and skills progression map available, outlining clear sequencing of knowledge, skills and vocabulary from EYFS to Year 6. Please contact the school directly for further information. 

Please click here to see an example of the progression across one aspect of Science learning.

Implementation

In EYFS, children explore Science through making predictions, using their senses and
investigating materials and their properties. Science is taught through the strand of,
‘Understanding the World’. Science teaching is also linked to other strands of the EYFS
framework for learning where meaningful. Teachers support children to develop a solid understanding of things occurring around them in their day-to-day lives. They are encouraged to use their natural inquisitiveness, whilst taking part in exploratory play in specific scientific areas as well as areas which link across the EYFS framework.

Throughout the school:

• Teachers continuously develop curriculum knowledge and leaders are able to provide support if needed.
• Teachers are creative and practical in their approach to teaching, working in line with then school's teaching & learning strategy, with the ability to support children in retaining knowledge through various methods such as low stakes quizzing and use of knowledge organisers.
• By creating a positive attitude to learning in science, teachers also reinforce the high expectations of achieving high standards. This is done by encouraging children to solve problems, think creatively and ask their own questions.
• Teachers are also able to support pupils in thinking scientifically, such as making predictions based on knowledge of theories.
• Working scientifically skills are embedded into lessons alongside core knowledge of schemas.
• Teachers use progression maps including vocabulary progression to develop pupils’ vocabulary.
• Teachers and pupils use diagrams to share understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Teachers use in the moment conferencing to provide timely feedback and move pupils’ learning on rapidly.
• Technology is used to support and enhance the teaching of Science through the use of digital thermometers, microscopes, digital cameras, videos, interactive whiteboards and apps.

Please see below our Science Curriculum Map. 

Impact

Engaging and high quality Science lessons provide children with the knowledge they need for understanding the world around them. Children talk positively about their experiences in science lessons and remember the core knowledge that underpins practical tasks that they have engaged in. Teachers are confident in their subject knowledge and share enthusiasm for the subject due to successful and continuous professional development opportunities.

Our pupils’ books reflect the development of their skills and knowledge year-on-year. As their knowledge increases, pupils are able to, with increasing independence, select scientific equipment, collate results and become confident in drawing conclusions. Our children talk confidently about both their science knowledge and their thinking skills.

Misconceptions are regularly identified and addressed in the moment as well as adaptions to planning to expose and address common misconceptions. Opportunities for real time feedback in science enable children to reach their full potential. Many pupils with SEND excel in science lessons due to their love for the subject and the scaffolding provided by staff.

We monitor progress regularly through learning walks, book looks and discussions with pupils. Monitoring shows that standards in Science are high. 

The Maestro assessment tool allows staff to regularly monitor the progress of pupils and provide evidence for robust monitoring of our curriculum. 

Science Enrichment

Across the Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2, we ignite a passion for Science through a range of immersive and enriching learning opportunities. Our diverse opportunities take Science learning beyond the classroom and include stimulating trips to esteemed institutions like the Natural History Museum and Sutton Ecology Centre. Guest speakers enrich our Science curriculum, offering firsthand experiences that solidify knowledge and propel understanding which have included a visit from the Science Learning Dome, a Gross Guts workshop and a Sheep heart dissection.

To further empower and develop our learners as scientists, sustainability and environmental experiences are woven into the science curriculum, fostering crucial cross-curricular applications. Enrichment experiences bridge the gap between disciplines, offering activities that seamlessly integrate science with engineering, mathematics, and technology which was seen first hand during the Year 6 visit to the Science Museum where the children were able to see how their skills and interests could lead to a career in STEM.

Manor Park's commitment to science extends beyond the classroom, culminating in an annual celebration during Science and Engineering Week in March. This collaborative event fosters a thriving community of young scientists, eager to explore the wonders of the world around them.

Further examples of enrichment have included trips to:

• The Natural History Museum
• Sutton Ecology Centre
• Science Museum
• Chessington World of Adventures
• British Wildlife Centre
• Bird World