“If we have not captured a child's interest in science by age 11, the research suggests that we won't, that we have lost them" Primary Science Journal,154. 

Intent

Quite simply, it is our intention that every pupil, irrelevant of needs, develops such a passion for science during the time they spend at The Three Schools and that we do not “lose them”. We strive to provide our children with the very best learning experience in science in order to harness a sense of wonder about natural phenomena. We wish for every child to have a passion for scientific ideas, making them want to learn to explain and analyse phenomena, predict outcomes and solve problems.

The demand for STEM employees is increasing year on year – whilst we understand that not all will choose to take this love of science into their future career, if we don’t encourage an inquisitive mind-set in children, they will be less likely to choose scientific roles in the future.

At our schools, we know that children learn most effectively when they can relate the teaching to their own experiences and the curriculum is well-sequenced. This enables core knowledge, skills and understanding to be revisited, deepening conceptual awareness before demanding application across the whole curriculum.

Teachers at The Three Schools focus on modelling and supporting children to learn the skills they need in order to allow them to discover the knowledge themselves. It is all too easy to look online to discover scientific facts, but to actually investigate, observe and come to your own conclusions embeds this knowledge at a deeper level. We believe that children should have the chance to learn for themselves and from others with guidance from adults and peers.

Implementation

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in science, we implement a knowledge-rich curriculum that is progressive throughout the schools. When planning for science, teachers ensure that full coverage of The 2014 National Curriculum is in place for Years 1 to 6 and Understanding of the World in EYFS. At the start of each topic, teachers find out what pupils already know and use this to as a basis, adapting plans for learning where necessary, extending the curriculum, linking to current events where possible and planning how to maximise the impact of the work of teaching assistants and other available resources. We include the use of technology, wherever appropriate, to aid teaching and learning. Through teacher modelling and planned questioning, we enable children to build up a body of key knowledge and an understanding of key scientific concepts through hands-on investigation. We facilitate children to apply scientific methodology to provide rational explanations in unfamiliar contexts and discover why science matters in the world. Our teaching helps children to develop a sense of excitement, enthusiasm and curiosity about science in all its forms. Key scientific language is modelled throughout lessons enabling children to be familiar with and use vocabulary accurately. Where possible, children participate in trips linked to their work in science and have expert visitors. We are fortunate in having a close link with the Open University, who provide visitors that are highly knowledgeable in their fields and who may inspire children to take up a career in science. We promote children’s independence, develop a growth mindset and teach all children to take responsibility for their own learning.

Impact

The successful and effective approach at The Three Schools results in an engaging, fun, critical and high-quality science education, providing the pupils with the foundations for understanding the world. Our approach enables children to think critically about the world around them and our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first hand experiences.

Through a variety of science-themed events throughout the year which include various workshops, trips and interactions with visitors, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children feel like they are scientists and more children are continuously developing STEM-related ideas for their future careers. Children at The Three Schools understand the purpose of science and thoroughly enjoy it. This results in highly-engaged children who enjoy, and have a passion for, science, thus leading to motivated learners with sound scientific understanding.