Building on Meanwood’s vision and values and the National Curriculum for Science, we aim to provide an exceptional Science education that embraces our school vision. Creating an interest and love of science is vital in creating a future which benefits all members of society.
Open Hearts – We create a cooperative learning environment, encouraging children to work together, share ideas and learn collaboratively.
Open Minds – We inspire our children to strive for excellence in Science, supporting them to ask questions and test ideas and hypothesises. We celebrate their achievements and encourage them to reach their full potential.
Open Arms – We foster empathy in our pupils, encouraging them to understand the importance of science in modern day society. We promote an inclusive environment where all learners feel valued and supported in their scientific journey.
Intent
At Meanwood, we are dedicated to nurturing our pupil’s scientific abilities, fostering a love for the subject, and developing their investigative skills and scientific knowledge. By integrating the school vision into our Science curriculum, we aim to create a learning environment that promotes collaboration, celebrates achievement and fosters empathy and respect. We strive to inspire our pupils to become lifelong learners who are confident in their scientific abilities, capable of applying skills in real-world contexts, and equipped with the skills necessary for success in their future endeavours. Through our commitment to excellence, inclusivity and holistic development, we aim to empower our pupils to make a positive impact in their communities and the wider world.
Implementation
At Meanwood, we have created a curriculum which uses small learning steps. The steps are carefully planned out through the 3 science subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Teachers use the long-term plan and the half-termly knowledge organisers to deliver precise content that is built on from previous learning.
In addition to acquiring knowledge our curriculum also develops the scientific skills that children need to work in a scientific manner.
Within our lessons we include the following aspects:
Impact
At Meanwood our aim is keep all the children working together at broadly the same place by taking small steps in learning.
Formative Assessment
The children’s progress is assessed using regular formative assessment in lessons through questioning, regular retrieval practice, assessment of work in books and feedback. Before each block of learning, the children complete a pre-knowledge check based on the previous learning. This allows teachers to teach any necessary connected knowledge prior to the starting the new block of work to support the needs of pupils in their classes.
Summative Assessment
Summative assessment in Science takes place at the end of every unit: children complete quizzes. These inform the teacher of any children that need further consolidation and/or intervention. The quizzes are completed after 2, 6 and 12 weeks.
Individual progress is reported to parents through two termly Parents’ Evenings and an end of year report
Staff Development
Training needs are identified as a result of whole school monitoring and evaluation, performance management and through self-analysis. The subject leader is keen to share best practice and disseminate up-to-date initiatives to staff via planned CPD and development time. This will ensure the subject is constantly evolving to meet the demands of curriculum expectations.
Monitoring
The subject leader, SLT and Governors all play a role in the monitoring of Science at Meanwood. Regular monitoring via learning walks, book looks and pupil/staff voice feedback ensures the subject is constantly being reviewed and regulated to ensure the best learning opportunities for all.