At Hazel Leys Academy, our science is delivered through a dynamic, progressive programme called Snap Science.  This programme is packed with inspirational resources, designed to deliver outstanding science throughout our school.

 

 Intent:

The teaching of Science is inclusive for every child. Our Science curriculum is broad, balanced and differentiated, ensuring the progressive development of knowledge and skills. Science is taught as a separate discrete lesson but will be linked to our Cornerstones Curriculum topic work where appropriate. We encourage our children to be curious about natural phenomena and be excited by the process of understanding the world around them. Key scientific terminology and concepts will be in introduced and built upon across our schools. Pupils are encouraged to work scientifically and be able to carry out simple tests and experiments using equipment to gather and record data. Children will learn about plants, animals including humans, materials, habitats, rocks and soils, light, forces, states of matter, sounds, electricity, earth and space and evolution and inheritance. Visits such as the Space Centre and Sublime Science and a dedicated science week enhances the delivery of our curriculum and encourages children to develop a love for Science.

 

Implementation:

Our Science curriculum is progressive throughout the whole school; 

• Based upon the 2014 Primary National Curriculum, which provides a broad framework and outlines the knowledge and skills and taught in each Key Stage.
• Use Cornerstones and Snap Science to help build our curriculum. Use their thematic approach to learning. Teachers use this and our progression of knowledge and skills document to plan lessons.
• The ‘Curriculum Checker’ document ensures that all aspects of the Science Curriculum are covered.
• When teaching science the teachers should follow the children’s interests to ensure their learning is engaging.
• Teaching focuses on enabling children to think as scientists.
• Science provides excellent opportunities to enhance the learning of more able pupils through the investigations, analysing sources and writing extending pieces.
• Children showing extensive aptitude in science will be placed on our schools G&T register (these children will be selected for appropriate enrichment opportunities).
• Classroom environments reflect the topic the children are learning, which then immerse the children in relevant vocabulary as well as visual stimulus for their learning. 

Impact:

We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

• Assessing children’s understanding of topic linked vocabulary before and after the unit is taught.
• Summative assessment of pupil discussions about their learning.
• Images and videos of the children’s practical learning.
• Interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice).
• Moderation staff meetings- where pupil’s books are scrutinised and there is the opportunity for a dialogue between teachers to understand their class’s work.
• Annual reporting of standards across the curriculum.
• Marking of written work in books.