Science
At Mount Pleasant Primary it is our aim to provide the best for our children. We live in an increasingly scientific and technological age and children need to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to prepare them for life in the 21st century. We aim to ensure that all children are given the opportunity to question and investigate the world around them in a supportive and safe environment.
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We teach children in a practical and investigative manner, using innovative approaches and using the school grounds where possible. The teaching of Science develops in children an interest and curiosity about the world in which they live, and fosters in them a respect for the environment. Alongside the National Curriculum in our school, Science encourages and develops the children’s ability to; reason, communicate, work as a team, reflect and develop respect.
Our intent
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To develop a love of science to promote the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.
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We create an enthusiasm so that Science and STEM subjects become developed in readiness for their journey through secondary.
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There is a focus on investigative and practical science so that children are encouraged to ask questions and be curious about the world around them.
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They have the opportunity to plan investigations and understand the idea of fair testing. Science develops and enhances English and maths skills.
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We teach the foundations of scientific enquiry to promote and enthuse a desire to choose a scientific career.
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Subject leader: Mrs Spink
Key Stage 1
During years 1 and 2, pupils should be taught to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the programme of study content:
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asking simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways
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observing closely, using simple equipment
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performing simple tests
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identifying and classifying
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using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
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gathering and recording data to help in answering questions
Key Stage 2
During years 3 and 4, pupils should be taught to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the programme of study content:
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asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
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setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
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making systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment, including thermometers and data loggers
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gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering questions
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recording findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys, bar charts, and tables
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reporting on findings from enquiries, including oral and written explanations, displays or presentations of results and conclusions
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using results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions for new values, suggest improvements and raise further questions
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identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
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using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings.
Key Objectives
During years 5 and 6, pupils should be taught to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the programme of study content:
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planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary
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taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate
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recording data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs
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using test results to make predictions to set up further comparative and fair tests
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reporting and presenting findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and a degree of trust in results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations
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identifying scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments
