Science
Subject Expectations: Science
Subject Lead: Mrs S Fletcher
How often and when is the subject taught?
Science is taught weekly normally during an afternoon session.
Who teaches the subject?
Science is taught predominantly by class teachers, but on occasions HLTAs deliver lessons.
How is the subject recorded? (Which book? Photographs? How is it evidenced?)
The subject is recorded in the following ways:
- Books (Learning Journey)
- Photographs and videos from practical experiments (iPad data)
- Cross-curricular links to Reading, Writing, Maths, PE and ICT.
How is the subject taught?
Teachers follow the school’s Principles of Science (practical, classroom buzz, real-life experiences, etc.) with a wide range of scientific enquiry skills being taught (links to famous scientists, fair tests, observation and classification, etc.).
How is the subject assessed/marked?
Learning is mainly assessed through teacher assessments. In addition, diagnostic assessments are carried out in all year groups to assess prior knowledge and inform teacher planning. End of unit quizzes/tests are also used to assess pupils understanding and achievements. Rising Stars assessments are used for both diagnostic assessments and end of unit assessments.
How is the subject planned for? (Short/Medium/Long term planning)
Planning is completed for each topic (approximately six lessons). The subject lead has an overview of all topics being taught during the year.
How is work for the subject displayed?
There is a Science working wall in each classroom and some are transferred to corridor displays. Science working walls reflect the current unit of work being taught, including key vocabulary and relevant curriculum targets. There is also a whole school progression in Science display in the school corridors which celebrates pupils work and achievements in the subject.
Resourcing (What/Where is it stored?)
Resources for each topic are stored centrally in the Maths/Science cupboard (e.g. Skeletons, foam human organs, ramps (forces), pipettes, etc). Additional resources are also stored in classrooms where resources are specific to the year group and/or units being taught.
What homework is set?
Half termly learning project tasks are set over the course of the year and often have a science focus.
Cross Curricular Learning
Over the year, Science books will show a range of cross curricular learning across a range of subjects.
Subject specific information
Science is also delivered during the following:
- Science week
- EYFS, Y1 and Y3 visits to Sandwell Valley Forest School
- Y6 Plas Gwynant Residential.
- Annual Eco Bus visit for all year groups (EYFS-Y6).
- Various Educational visits including Y1 visit to Weston-Super-Mare, Y3 visit to Sandwell Valley, Y4 visit to Think Tank Birmingham and Y5 visit to National Space Centre.
- Big Schools’ Bird watch.
- Y5 Puberty talk from School Nurse team.
- Y6 Healthy Relationship talk from School Nurse team.
- Y6 DECCA talk re drugs and alcohol.
