Intent

The subject of Science at Codnor Primary School gives all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future. 

At Codnor Primary School, Science provides the foundations for understanding the world, where scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic the children study and these topics are revisited and developed throughout their time at school. All children are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations, as well as being encouraged to question the world around them and become independent learners in exploring possible answers for their scientific based questions. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built up, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged. Concepts are reinforced by focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevantly.

At Codnor Primary School we value the development of the whole child. Our children are not just learners – in science they are investigators, hypothesisers, enthusiasts, decision makers, contributors, creators, explorers and ultimately, the future of our community and the world beyond it.

In Science we aim to create scientists of the future and develop the natural curiosity and fascination about the world around them. They are encouraged to be curious, ask questions about what they observe and are encouraged to explore these ideas through their own investigations. Our children explain what is occurring, predict how things behave, and analyse cause and effects.

Aims:

• The ability to think independently and raise questions about working scientifically and the knowledge and skills that it brings. 
• Confidence and competence in the full range of practical skills, taking the initiative in, for example, planning and carrying out scientific investigations. 
• Excellent scientific knowledge and understanding which is demonstrated in written and verbal explanations, solving challenging problems and reporting scientific findings.
• High levels of originality, imagination or innovation in the application of skills.
• The ability to undertake practical work in a variety of contexts, including fieldwork.
• A passion for science and its application in past, present and future technologies.

Through our in-depth and carefully sequenced lessons, pupils’ knowledge and understanding and scientific skills are developed for both their future learning and future life.

These key scientific skills and concepts are:

• Work scientifically
• Understand plants
• Understand animals and humans
• Investigate living things
• Understand evolution and inheritance
• Investigate materials
• Understand movement, forces and magnets
• Understand the Earth’s movement and Space
• Investigate light and seeing
• Investigate sound and hearing
• Understand electrical circuits

Our pupils leave Codnor Primary School with the knowledge to think like a scientist, act like a scientist and speak like a scientist, and they value the transference of these skills into their every day life, in education and beyond.

Science • Intent • Implementation • Impact • Progression