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Science
Rationale
Here at Whiston Willis Primary Academy, we use the Kent scheme of work to deliver our Science lessons. The scheme was developed as a direct result of requests by primary teachers wanting to have more ideas as to how to address the requirements for science in the new Primary Curriculum. The scheme ensures coverage of the curriculum, in such a manner that children are engaged and enjoy their learning.
What the scheme of work provides
The scheme of work supports the provision of excellent learning opportunities for science by providing the following advice:
1. Long term planning
This scheme contains 28 units of study. Each of these units of study has been assigned to a particular year group inline with the guidance from the National Curriculum (2014). Suggestions have been made as to possible best times of year to study some of the units, as well as when different aspects of learning within a unit will need to be taught at different times across a year.
2. Short term/lesson planning
The scheme of work is invaluable for supporting primary teachers with their lesson planning. Each of the units have clear and thorough advice on the following aspects of quality provision for science:
A. Sequence of knowledge and concepts.
In accordance with the guidance in the new National Curriculum, the scheme has clearly indicated a progression in the key scientific knowledge and concepts, from Year 1 to Year 6. Each of the 28 units of study clearly indicates the aspects of knowledge to be developed. Where appropriate, the unit will indicate the ‘learning journey’; i.e. where the knowledge and concepts of that particular unit fit within the learning for that particular aspect of science as the child progresses through the primary phase.
B. A range of activities that will enable the children to develop both their scientific understanding and their mastery of the nature, processes and method of science.
i. ‘Working Scientifically’ through a constructivist approach to learning
Throughout each and every unit of study the emphasis is on the children learning by doing. In accordance with the constructivist theory of learning, the units encourage the teachers to provide activities that will enable the children to test their previously held ideas. In doing so, they will also be encouraged to develop a bank of skills and an understanding of the processes required to be able to do good science. In every unit of work the most suitable aspects of the statutory requirements for Working Scientifically have been selected. Each of these requirements will be thoroughly covered throughout both of the Key Stages.
ii. Scientific vocabulary
Each unit of study contains a section outlining the most appropriate scientific vocabulary to be used when studying that particular area of science. This will help children to become familiar with, and use, technical terminology accurately and precisely.
iii. Resources
The scheme contains a list of resources that would be required for each of the units.
iv. Hooks
Within every unit of work there are many suggestions as to strategies that teachers can use to ensure that children are interested and engaged in the content.
v. Teacher subject knowledge
Every unit of work has a section designed to provide teachers with a good understanding of the knowledge and concepts that will be covered within that unit.
vi. Scientists
Every unit of work lists some of the scientists who are working, or have worked, in that particular area of science.
vii. Preparation for the learning
For every unit of work there is a section that outlines when and how teachers can prepare for the activities that they would like to do with the children.
viii Recording
There are suggestions throughout every unit as to how the children could record their learning. Consideration has been given to not just how they will record, but also the reason for recording in each of the different instances.
ix A range of learning strategies designed to engage the children
As well as the full range of practical scientific enquiries outlined, there are plenty of other strategies provided to engage the children in their science learning; drama, deep thinking time, problem-solving in various contexts, videos from web pages, etc
3. Assessment
Balance is our school's preferred assessment tool for the assessment of Science. For each of the units an assessment record sheet has been created. Each of these sheets will allow teachers to record children’s achievements during their studies for both the knowledge aspects within a particular unit, and some of the requirements from Working Scientifically. These record sheets, and the intended learning objectives included in the units of study will enable the teachers to identify what the children need to know or be able to do next, as well as support them at different times in the year to make summative judgements as to the children’s attainment.
CURRICULUM INFORMATION:
