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Science
Science: Everything, always moving forward
We love science at Monkhouse. We are proud of our science curriculum and our approach to teaching it, so much, our mantra in science is - Science: Everything, always moving forward. At Monkhouse, we provide a broad, balanced and progressive science curriculum which is integrated into other areas of the curriculum where appropriate. We aim to ignite a passion for learning and exploring science through different types of enquiries. We hope to inspire children to see the world beyond the scientific concepts they already know and we aim to provide them with the skills and confidence to innovate their knowledge of science to make meaning of their learning.
Science Progression Document
Science Curriculum
We aim to enhance curiosity for Science through practical and engaging investigations. Knowledge is taught alongside skills, this is then applied through different types of Scientific enquiries. Children are given opportunities to reflect on their findings, learn from their mistakes, to raise further questions and to plan further scientific enquiries, as appropriate. As a staff, we use an S Planning template to ensure that the children are taught Science through working scientifically, of which there are 5 areas: pattern seeking, fair testing, observing over time, research using secondary sources, and classifying and grouping. Technology is used in a range of forms to enhance the Science curriculum. Children use technology to research, record and present information in digital forms eg Keynote, Explain Edu and iMovies. Children are encouraged and supported to make individual progress and develop their skills during their science lessons through a range of differentiated steps, irrespective of their starting level. During a lesson or series of lessons, all children will access mastery through reasoning questions and through reflection of their findings.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, educators will prepare children for the primary science curriculum through practical explorations of the natural world and everyday materials. Educators will offer a wide range of provocations which inspire children to observe, ask questions, investigate and build their vocabulary using all five senses. Teachers will sustain children’s early scientific thinking and scaffold simple investigations to help them make connections and draw simple conclusions. Drawing on the Development Matters guidance, the children will observe plant growth and change and encounter animals to learn more about their behaviours and their needs. They will observe and respond to the changing weather. Pupils will play with a wide range of materials, building a vocabulary to describe their properties. Knowledge and understanding will be enriched through exploration both within the classroom and outdoors, such as through; water play exploring sinking and floating, sand play exploring changes in state and bug hotels, flower beds and wildlife areas to promote curiosity in wildlife, minibeasts and growing.
Seed dispersal by Year 3
Circulatory system by Year 6
Aspirations
We hope to inspire each child to use their curiosity in order to question the world around them. As part of the science curriculum, along with the knowledge in each unit, the children will gain historical understanding of that area of Science including famous scientists and their achievements. They will look at how a particular area of science is advancing because of the ongoing vast developments. The children will be provided with opportunities to look at how a specific area of science is constantly developing and they will learn about different jobs and roles in the STEM industry. As a result, we hope to inspire pupils to consider pursuing careers in science.
Rocks by Year 3
Wider opportunities
Within projects, we liaise with external agencies and invite visitors in to make learning meaningful, purposeful and engaging. Children share their learning through project exhibitions and STEM fairs, where families, other classes and the wider community may be invited to share in our learning.
Rocket Experiement
