Science
“At Langney Primary Academy, our vision is to ignite children’s natural sense of curiosity and bring science to life through stimulating and challenging learning experiences. Through a variety of interesting enquiries and exciting practical activities children will develop the skills to answer questions in different ways, gather evidence, draw conclusions and pose further questions relating to the wonders of the world around them. We aim to open our children’s minds to the possibilities of further scientific study and equip them with the skills, knowledge and passion to pursue their own interests and questions about the world throughout their lives.”
SCIENCE VISION
The Langney Primary Academy Science curriculum links to the school’s overarching vision for each of its subjects by ensuring:
-
Curriculum innovation and teaching pedagogy in Science is at the forefront of education.
-
Langney Primary Academy is a Centre of Excellence in Science with the highest standard of teaching.
-
Talent discovery of pupils showing aptitude in Science is harnessed and opportunities provided to enrich and challenge.
-
There is a balance between high standards (excellence) and enjoyment for the subject.
-
Life chances and career aspirations are raised.
-
Health and Wellbeing is endorsed.
INNOVATION IN
SCIENCE
BEING A CENTRE OF SCIENCE
EXCELLENCE
INNOVATION IN SCIENCE
As the world continues to change we keep up to date with current scientific developments, embedding that knowledge into our units, developed from the National Curriculum and the Kent Scheme of Work. Through continued reflection and professional development opportunities, our teachers are empowered with the knowledge and confidence to explore and use a variety of resources to maintain a fresh and exciting approach to learning. Wherever appropriate, teachers will extend children’s access to the world of science through a range of online resources and virtual reality experiences; in UKS2 this is enhanced through their access to personal chrome books. They are also able to use photo, video and spreadsheet software to record and present data.
BEING A CENTRE OF SCIENCE EXCELLENCE
The Kent scheme of work provides suggestions of how children should work scientifically as well as concise subject knowledge, vocabulary and information about key scientists relating to each unit. It also includes many examples of practical activities to guide and inspire teachers to plan science lessons of the highest standard. As a school, we will continue to develop and expand our variety of science resources, allowing teachers the opportunity to plan exciting and inspiring lessons with the emphasis on learning through hands-on activities and experiences. We aim to extend children’s experiences and raise the profile of science annually, with exciting events and activities during a Science Week. A whole school approach to exploring the science surrounding current world events will give children an added stimulus for the development of their own passion for learning about the world.
TALENT DISCOVERY OF PUPILS IN SCIENCE
TALENT DISCOVERY OF PUPILS IN SCIENCE
Using our links with other schools including secondary, we are able to extend the experiences we offer to children who are highly attaining or show a natural aptitude for Science through the school’s ambitious Scholars Programme. Identified Y5 and 6 pupils whose trajectory indicates their future candidacy for triple science are selected to go to our linked Swale Academy secondary school, once a week for a term, to take part in science activities within a provision with specialist teachers, resources and equipment.
A BALANCE BETWEEN EXCELLENCE (STANDARDS) AND ENJOYMENT IN
SCIENCE
A BALANCE BETWEEN EXCELLENCE AND ENJOYMENT IN SCIENCE
Based on the National Curriculum, there is a clear progression of learning in biology, chemistry and physics. Science is taught discretely, often linked to class termly topics, and extended time is allocated in timetables to the teaching of Science.
To promote curiosity and enjoyment in Science, the school recognises children learn best when they have opportunities to be actively involved in practical, open ended and challenging learning experiences that encourage creativity. Development in the skills of scientific enquiry is therefore a priority. In Years 1-6 the first term is dedicated to reinforcing the five types of enquiry:
-
Observing changes over time
-
Noticing patterns
-
Grouping and classifying things (noticing similarities and differences)
-
Comparative and fair testing
-
Finding things out using secondary sources of information (researching)
These types of enquiry are subsequently used across the different science areas as appropriate in Terms 2-6.
RAISING ASPIRATIONS & LIFE CHANCES IN
SCIENCE
RAISING ASPIRATIONS & LIFE CHANCES IN SCIENCE
Where possible we use science to broaden horizons and make links to future life interests and the world of work. Jobs that are based on knowledge and interest in science are manyfold and we look for every opportunity to explore these links through Science topics, the Careers Fair, inviting in visitors and off-site activities / school trips.
Through local links we continue to develop exciting opportunities for hands-on, outdoor learning experiences in the grounds of Langney Priory. For example, a conservation project has been driven by the School Council and the pupils from Y2 -6 have voted on the creature they want to help conserve at the Priory.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING LINKS TO SCIENCE
HEALTH & WELLBEING IN SCIENCE
Science lessons offer many opportunities to discuss and explore health and wellbeing; learning about how our bodies work, maintaining a healthy body through diet and investigating the effects of physical activity are all important aspects of our Science curriculum. It is also closely linked to our PSHE and RSE curriculum. Through learning about Science and thinking scientifically we want to empower our pupils with knowledge and skills to make healthy life choices and open up possibilities for their future.
SCIENCE INTENT
SCIENCE IMPLEMENTATION - How Science is Planned, Taught & Assessed
To view our full Science Implementation document, please click this link.
SCIENCE END OF YEAR EXPECTATIONS
To view our full Science End of Year Expectations document, please click this link.