Mrs A O'Dwyer (Infant School) and Mr J Holmes (Junior School) are our Science Curriculum Leaders.

Intent

Science is a way of viewing and making sense of the world. It can explain natural and man-made events and develop logical thinking. 

Our Science Vision:  We want the children at CSG to enjoy learning scientific concepts, questioning how things work and possessing the skills to find out themselves. With our curriculum and learning environment, we want children to be enthused and inspired to develop a lifelong interest in science and to ignite their curiosity and encourage them to confidently explore and discover the ever changing world around them. 

 We aim to:

• enhance knowledge, skills and understanding of scientific concepts.
• talk about and explain their understanding of concepts, skills and methods as well as listen to others.
• prepare children to use science in the wider world.
• enjoy science.
• become independent scientists.
• be able to apply knowledge and skills to scientific tasks.
• provide equal opportunities for all children.

Implementation

During a child’s time in Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception), they will develop awareness of science in the world around them. In the Foundation Stage curriculum, this is part of the specific area, Understanding the World. Please refer to the area of our website dedicated to the Early Years Curriculum for more information about developing scientific understanding at this early stage.

Science is taught in Key Stage 1 and 2 (Year 1-6) using the science National Curriculum 2014. The curriculum is organised into different units for KS1, Lower KS2 (Years 3 & 4) and Upper KS2 (Years 5 & 6). Progression is built into the planning to allow children to develop their independence when working scientifically as they progress throughout the school.

We plan for opportunities for active learning. This includes encouraging the children to: verbalise what they are doing and why, tackle a range of tasks involving practical investigations and problem solving, and apply their knowledge and skills to work across the curriculum. Teachers’ expectations are high and matched to the ability and experience of individual children.

All Science lessons include a Bright Idea (to get the children thinking scientifically and articulating their thoughts). This is followed by the main part of the lesson where the focus is on developing key skills from the science topic being taught and discussing children’s understanding.

We are always looking for ways to ensure that the learning and teaching of science is exciting, relevant and inspiring. As part of this drive, we have achieved the 2022 Quality Mark for Science and further developed our provision by achieving the Silver Quality Mark from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

Impact

Children's work is assessed continuously in line with EYFS and National Curriculum requirements and the school's record-keeping and assessment policy. Observational and written assessments are made as an integral part of the child's work. Assessments carried out throughout each strand of work are used to inform future planning and helping children know the next steps in their learning. Pupils' science progress is tracked by the class teacher and whole school analysis is completed by the Assessment Lead and Subject Lead each term.

We are always working to develop our practice in Science and to develop children’s knowledge and understanding. In 2022, we attained the Primary Science Quality Mark.

The summary of our report reads:

 A well-structured PSQM submission. The reviewer enjoyed reading this submission which oozes both determination to improve and reflection on evidence of improvement. Many stakeholders are involved both internally and externally and this school is clearly committed to the developmental journey for science. A well-deserved PSQM celebration.

Congratulations to Mr Holmes and Mrs O’Dwyer and all at Chalfont St Giles on a well-deserved Primary Science Quality Mark. It’s wonderful to see the progress you have been able to make during a challenging year for everyone. I wish you every success with the continuing development of science at your school. We are very proud of this achievement and thank Mr Holmes and Mrs O’Dwyer for their hard work alongside the determination and enthusiasm of all staff to provide our children with the best possible experience and opportunities.

Whole School Science Overview