UPTON JUNIOR SCHOOL. Science Policy. Childhood One Chance. Created: Term Approved by the Governing Body: Review: Term 62014

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1 UPTON JUNIOR SCHOOL One Childhood One Chance Science Policy Created: Term Approved by the Governing Body: Review: Term Chair of Governors: Headteacher: Date: Date:

2 Rationale Science is a systematic investigation of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the world we live in and beyond. It relies on first hand experiences and on other sources of information. Scientific processes and problem solving activities will be used to develop pupils understanding of fundamental concepts. The main aspects of science to be studies will be determined by the programmes of study of the National Curriculum (updated 2014). Aims for science The aims for science, which help deliver the wider school aims are: to provide appropriate and stimulating scientific experiences which encourage pupils to make sense of the world around them. to develop a positive attitude to scientific enquiry and an awareness of the influence of science in everyday life to deliver activities that meet the requirements of the national curriculum in a way that is appropriate to the needs and interests of all pupils and which challenge them to fulfil their potential to develop pupils scientific knowledge and understanding to develop pupils investigation skills for pupils to apply their scientific knowledge and skills to solve problems in a wide variety of contexts to develop pupils explanatory and communicative skills for pupils to be able to work both collaboratively and independently on scientific tasks for pupils to develop a caring attitude to the environment and living things for pupils to develop an understanding of safe ways of working and to take increasing responsibility for managing their own investigations safely to use scientific contexts to develop and consolidate the basic cross curricular skills of literacy, numeracy and ICT. Learning Pupils will be provided with a range of learning experiences. These will include firsthand experience of: experimentation to try out ideas and find out what happens investigation to test ideas or hypotheses in an increasingly systematic way focused observation to develop the ability to notice detail and changes that take place over time focused practical tasks to promote understanding of a concept or skill sorting and classifying to group things by observable characteristics discussion and debate of ideas and conclusions to consolidate understanding and develop the ability to explain clearly

3 presenting the results of their work in appropriate and varied ways gaining respect for evidence and appreciating the views of others working collaboratively and independently using secondary sources to widen experiences, enhance understanding and provide evidence; providing opportunities for individual and group research; providing examples and illustrations from wider contexts than those possible in the classroom and immediate environment; providing examples and illustrations requiring the use of specialised technology e.g. videos, CD ROMS and the Internet Teaching Year groups follow ASK scheme of work (to be updated for September 2014) Approximately 2 hours a week will be spent on science Science activities will be organised using a variety of grouping strategies that are most effective to deliver the learning objectives for all abilities. Careful assessment will be made to manage any risks involved in practical activities. Investigation skills will be developed through planned instruction of skills appropriate to the age and ability of pupils. Key vocabulary will be displayed pertinent to each topic and pupils will be encouraged to use the technical vocabulary in all levels of communication. There will be frequent opportunities for pupils to make choices and take decisions both collaboratively and independently. Assessment Recording and Reporting Science will be assessed in line with the school assessment policy. Summative records will be kept of individual achievement against NC levels and unit / topic expectations. These will be regularly updated at the end of each topic and Sc1 attainment will be recorded on Sims twice a year. Information gained from pupil records, initial assessment tasks and discussions will be used to plan activities. Work will be marked regularly against lesson objectives shared with pupils in line with whole school effective marking policy. Where possible children will be encouraged to review their own progress. Inclusion This will be addressed through the school s Inclusion Policy. Curriculum planning will ensure that all pupils have an equal opportunity to take part in the full scheme of work and its associated practical activities regardless of gender or cultural background.

4 Additional Educational Needs Notice will be taken of targets within a pupil s IEP. Children will be given the necessary support to access the curriculum and allow them to carryout tasks at their own level. Gifted Children Provision will be made when necessary for pupils to extend their experiences beyond that of the majority of the class by one of the following: reducing the level of support provided and thereby increasing the need for independent thinking increasing the level of knowledge to be gained and communicated applying knowledge to an unfamiliar context setting more challenging criteria for presenting information extracurricular activities as opportunities arise Presentation The way that the work is to be presented will be clearly identified in lesson plans and will relate to the ability of groups of pupils. Pupils will experience and be taught a variety of styles of presenting or recording their work. These will include: verbal reports and discussions drawings, diagrams, charts, graphs artistic and dramatic presentations including role play written work in a variety of styles and for different audiences using a range of ICT facilities Pupils will be encouraged on occasions to make their own choice of appropriate presentation style. Teachers will set high expectations for the quality and accuracy of the work presented and encourage children to evaluate their success in achieving this Health and safety We have a Health and Safety Policy based on the CLEAPSS model. A simple risk assessment will be carried out for all practical activities. The LEA has adopted the ASE book Be Safe as its model risk assessment and therefore this should be consulted when necessary. If an activity is not covered by Be Safe then we will contact CLEAPSS (School Science Service Helpline ) for further advice. Pupils will be made aware of safety issues that arise in topics or activities and will be trained to use the appropriate equipment and carry out tasks in a safe and

5 responsible manner. Pupils will be increasingly required to identify safety considerations in their planning as they progress through the school. Resources Science resources are stored in individual year groups. Staff should check availability of resources prior to the start of a topic and any resource shortages should be notified to the subject leader. The school grounds, which include a pond, woodland and grass area, are to be used throughout the year to aid the delivery of the Life Processes and Living Things section of the NC. Reviewed April 2014