Science
Science Leader: Mrs Holgate (Hinchliffe Mill School)
Science Curriculum
Intent
At Holme School, we have a deep commitment to nurturing the innate curiosity of our pupils, fostering a sense of adventure in exploring the wonders of the world. We believe in inspiring creativity as we guide our young learners towards becoming independent thinkers and resilient problem solvers. Our science curriculum is designed to be a captivating and hands-on experience, allowing our pupils to unravel the mysteries of the natural world and gain a deeper understanding of how things work.
As a school that values respect and aspiration, we instill in our pupils an awareness of the profound impact of science on our lives and the world's future prosperity. Our goal is to empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in an increasingly scientific and technological society.
Scientific enquiry is at the heart of our curriculum, with topics revisited throughout a pupil’s journey at our school. We believe in making learning fun and memorable, inviting visitors in to enhance the curriculum and organising science trips, ensuring that knowledge is firmly embedded in their long-term memory.
At Holme School, we embrace diversity and adapt our curriculum to meet the unique needs of each child, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We integrate science with other subjects, such as English, PE, Computing and Art, fostering cross-curricular connections that enhance the learning experience.
Our science education aims to:
- Prepare our pupils for a world driven by science and technology.
- Cultivate a deep understanding of scientific concepts and methods.
- Nurture curiosity and problem-solving skills.
- Encourage open-mindedness, self-assessment, and perseverance.
- Develop proficiency in scientific language, recording and techniques.
- Control technology for investigation and recording.
- Establish meaningful connections between science and other subjects.
At Holme School, we are committed to creating a vibrant and dynamic learning environment that sparks a lifelong love for science and empowers our pupils to become future innovators and critical thinkers.
Implementation
Science is taught every two weeks out of three for an hour and a half. Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 pupils are taught concurrently, while Key Stage 2 children, despite studying at the same time, follow a distinct curriculum. The Long Term Plan for Science at the school thoughtfully integrates elements within the KS2 curriculum. For instance, Lower KS2 students explore Electrical Circuits and Conductors, whereas Upper KS2 pupils delve into Electrical Circuits and Components. Similarly, LKS2 focuses on Grouping and Classifying, in contrast to UKS2’s emphasis on Evolution.
The curriculum is structured to progressively build upon knowledge. This includes utilizing KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learned) grids at the start and conclusion of each topic, conducting summative assessments independently after mastering the content, and integrating quizzes on previous topics throughout the year to reinforce learning. Additionally, pupils are encouraged to present their findings in various informal methods, including presentations, video recordings, and verbal explanations.
Alongside adapting resources for SEND and More Able learners, work is differentiated through the Working Scientifically statements, allowing pupils to build upon their disciplinary knowledge through enquiry, observations and investigations where they record and analyse data. A strong emphasis is placed on enriching pupils with comprehensive scientific vocabulary from the onset and throughout each lesson, enhancing their reasoning and understanding within the subject.
Impact
Monitoring and upholding the standards of pupil work and teaching quality in Science at Holme Junior and Infant School falls under the purview of the subject leader and senior leadership team. This is achieved through comprehensive methods such as deep dives, regular learning walks, and thorough scrutiny of Science books. Following these evaluations, timely and constructive feedback is provided to staff, ensuring that the high standard of teaching is maintained consistently, reflecting the school's commitment to resilience and continuous improvement.
The school employs moderation materials from The Association of Science Education to set benchmarks for pupil progress. Additionally, to assess the impact of the science curriculum and teaching methods, Pupil and Parent Voice surveys are conducted each term. This approach embodies the school’s value of respect, acknowledging the importance of stakeholder feedback in shaping an effective curriculum.
In line with the school’s values, children at Holme Junior and Infant School will:
- Demonstrate a passion for science, showing an adventurous spirit in exploring further studies and career opportunities in this field.
- Retain and apply knowledge relevant to Science, contextualized in real-world scenarios.
- Question and reflect on various scientific ideas, showcasing their resilience in tackling complex concepts.
- Articulately express their understanding of scientific principles, using rich, scientific vocabulary to reason scientifically.
- Exhibit a secure ability to organize, record, and interpret results, demonstrating both independence and creativity in their analytical approach.
- Collaboratively and practically engage in investigations and experiments, embodying a spirit of teamwork and adventurous inquiry.
The school's successful approach to science education promises a fun, engaging, and high-quality experience. This approach not only instills a foundational understanding of the world in the pupils but also equips them with essential skills and values which they will carry forward beyond their primary education.
Class 1 Knowledge Organisers
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Class 1 Autumn 1 Human Survival Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 1 Autumn 2 Habitats Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 1 Spring 1 Uses of Materials Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 1 Spring 2 Plant Survival Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 1 Summer 1 Animal Survival Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 1 Summer 2 Push and Pull Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
Class 2 LKS2 Knowledge Organisers
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Class 2 LKS2 Autumn 1 Animal Nutrition and the Skeletal System.pdf | Download |
| Class 2 LKS2 Autumn 2 Rocks and Fossils Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 2 LKS2 Spring 1 Grouping and Classifying Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 2 LKS2 Spring 2 Summer 1 Electrical Circuits and Conductors Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 2 LKS2 Summer 2 Forces and Magnets Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
Class 2 UKS2 Knowledge Organisers
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Class 2 UKS2 Autumn 1 Human Reproduction and Ageing Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 2 UKS2 Spring 1 Evolution and Inheritance Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 2 UKS2 Spring 2 Summer 1 Electrical Circuits and Components Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
| Class 2 UKS2 Summer 2 Forces and Mechanisms Knowledge Organiser.pdf | Download |
Workshops
We invite visitors into school to do workshops on some areas of the science curriculum. Recently, we've welcomed Sam from Boffin Projects to do his Sound Workshop, as well as The Yorkshire Band of Hope Union and their Breaking the Cycle Workshop, which discussed the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
British Science Week
For British Science Week this year, all pupils in school were given an 'Astronaut Pass' with a selection of 'missions' they could complete based around Space. We were blown away by the children's creativity and enthusiasm. Here are some pictures of their amazing creations and activities they were involved in!
