“The important thing is to never stop questioning.”
 Albert Einstein

 

INTENT

At Barnburgh, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in our primary curriculum, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires.

By teaching science in our primary school, we aim to ignite a passion for discovery and enquiry among our children, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We believe that by providing hands-on experiences and encouraging curiosity, we can inspire our young learners to explore the natural world around them. Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to ask questions, conduct experiments, and develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts. Ultimately, we want to nurture truly great scientists who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and innovative, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Our Core Values provide the platform on which we have built our curriculum offer at Barnburgh Primary Academy. Our science curriculum is underpinned by our Core Values in the following ways;

COURAGE

We teach our children to develop the courage to take risks in their scientific exploration and experimentation and to view mistakes as a valuable part of the scientific learning process.

PERSEVERANCE

We teach that perseverance in science is important in order to tackle complex problems and overcome setbacks that often arise during experiments and research. By persevering, our children can make meaningful discoveries and advancements, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the world around us.

AMBITION

We teach our children that ambition helps scientists to set and pursue challenging goals, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. This desire for discovery and improvement fuels the passion needed to conduct research and develop solutions that can positively impact society and the environment.

RESPECT

We teach our children that respect is important in science because it fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where diverse ideas and perspectives can flourish. Mutual respect among scientists encourages open dialogue, constructive criticism, and the sharing of knowledge. This will consequently lead to more robust scientific enquiry and innovation.

INDEPENDENCE

We teach that independence is important in science because it empowers scientists to think critically and make decisions based on their observations and analysis, fostering a sense of ownership over their work. This ability to investigate and explore ideas encourages innovation and creativity.

 

IMPLEMENTATION

Teaching science in Barnburgh is a comprehensive process that emphasises the development of both knowledge and skills through a structured curriculum. 

Integrated Approach to Working Scientifically: We incorporate the principles of Working Scientifically across all programmes of study. This means that children engage in scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking throughout their lessons, fostering a deep understanding of scientific concepts and methodologies.

Well-Structured Curriculum: Each year group’s science curriculum is carefully timetabled to cover a wide range of topics systematically throughout the academic year. This thoughtful planning ensures there are no gaps in learning and that children progressively build on their skills and knowledge from one year to the next.

Emphasis on Skill Development: Our curriculum not only focuses on factual knowledge but also prioritises the development of essential skills, such as designing experiments, analysing data, and drawing conclusions. This skill-centred approach ensures children can apply their learning in practical, real-world contexts.

Enrichment through STEM Day: To enhance engagement and practical application of scientific concepts, we organise an annual STEM day. This event enriches scientific learning and encourages children to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities and projects that spark curiosity and creativity.

Linking Science to Outdoor Learning: Whenever possible, we connect our science lessons to outdoor learning experiences. These lessons provide children with first-hand observations of scientific principles in action, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Cross-Curricular Connections: We make connections between science and other subjects wherever appropriate. This approach enriches children’s learning experiences by demonstrating how science interacts with history, geography, art, and more, making it more relevant and engaging.

Interactive and Engaging Lessons: Our science lessons are designed to be interactive, utilising a variety of teaching methods, such as experiments, group projects, and discussions. This engagement not only motivates children but also encourages collaborative learning.

Assessment and Reflection: Throughout the year, we assess children's understanding and skills in science through formative assessments. This allows us to identify areas for improvement and tailor our teaching to meet the needs of all learners.

By implementing this comprehensive approach, we ensure that our science curriculum not only meets educational standards but also inspires a lifelong interest in scientific inquiry and exploration. Through deliberate planning, enrichment activities, and real-world applications, we prepare our children to thrive in their understanding of science and its relevance in the world around them.

 

IMPACT

By teaching children science, we hope to foster a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles, skills, and their real-world applications. 

Strong Conceptual Knowledge: Children will develop a solid understanding of fundamental scientific concepts. 

Enhanced Scientific Skills: Children will acquire essential scientific skills, including observation, experimentation, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills will empower them to conduct enquiries and make informed conclusions.

Curiosity and Enquiry: We will instil a genuine curiosity about the natural world, encouraging children to ask questions, seek answers, and engage in scientific exploration. This curiosity will lay the groundwork for lifelong learning.

Informed Decision-Making: Children will become adept at making informed decisions based on scientific reasoning and evidence and critically evaluate information.

Preparation for STEM Careers: We aim to inspire a passion for science and technology that leads some children to pursue careers in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Collaboration and Communication Skills: Through group projects and discussions, children will develop teamwork and communication skills, learning to work collaboratively to solve problems and share their findings effectively.

Resilience and Adaptability: Engaging in the scientific process teaches our children that failure is part of learning. We want them to build resilience, learning to adapt and persevere when faced with challenges in experimentation and enquiry.

Environmental Awareness: Children will gain an understanding of ecological systems and the importance of sustainability. This awareness fosters respect for the environment and encourages responsible citizenship regarding environmental issues.