“Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.”
Louis Pasteur
Intent
Science provision at our school aims to foster children’s sense of awe and wonder about the world around them, particularly given the huge challenges which humanity currently faces. The skills and knowledge developed through Science learning are central to this aim. Our school (and the village of Bladon) is a small, close-knit community which necessitates an outward-looking approach with the aim of developing children’s awareness and understanding of the wider world beyond. This has been particularly important following the COVID pandemic, which saw a significant reduction in wider learning opportunities. Our Science provision aims to take advantage of our location in terms of the unique enrichment opportunities available across the county. The scientific community has a significant presence across Oxfordshire, and this is also the case among our school community, with many parents working in science-related fields. We want pupils to be aware of and excited by the considerable options available to them in terms of science-based careers in our local area and further afield.
Implementation
Science provision at Bladon is developed with two main strands of learning in mind: substantive knowledge (e.g. models, laws and theories) and disciplinary knowledge (skills for working scientifically). Our units are carefully sequenced to ensure that there is a clear progression in both skills and knowledge, with children building on, reviewing and making links with their prior learning in Science, as well as becoming increasingly proficient in using an enquiry-based approach. The sequencing of units has also considered the non-traditional year group mixtures within classes, ensuring that children have covered everything before moving on. Key scientific knowledge, skills and vocabulary are included in each unit plan, and form the focal point for start and end of unit assessments. Through this mixture of formal/informal assessment, class teachers can identify higher and lower attaining pupils. Pupil progress meetings then provide an opportunity for class teachers to review and plan for further actions to challenge or support individual learners or groups. Teachers are supported to effectively plan and resource their Science units through our Developing Experts membership, as well as being signposted to other resources such as Explorify and the STEM.org website. In addition to the core Science lessons, children also have multiple opportunities to engage with Science throughout their time at Bladon, from our annual ‘Big Science Week’ to visitor-led workshops (e.g. Science Oxford, iBrick). Each Science unit also focuses on potential career opportunities linked to what is being studied. Where relevant, parents from the local community are invited to share their own experiences of working in a scientific field.
Impact
Our approach to Science across the school is underpinned by the goal of developing inquisitive, critical thinkers who are continually seeking to learn about and understand the world around them. Children will have deep substantive and disciplinary knowledge which is interwoven with a rich scientific vocabulary. Many additional opportunities are available, whether participating in an annual, whole-school Science Week, or additional workshops through our Science Oxford membership and links with iBrick STEM Lego. They are also aware of the wide variety of careers available which are linked to science, through discussion of potential careers during lessons and drawing on the expertise within our parent community.
Click here to see our progression of skills document.
Click here to see our progression of knowledge document.