Science at Buckingham Park Primary School
A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
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Primary Science Quality Mark
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark. The Primary Science Quality Mark is led by the University of Hertfordshire in collaboration with the Primary Science Teaching Trust.
Below is feedback from the external assessors about Buckingham Park Primary School’s achievement:-
“There has been a significant development over the year in the way the science leaders manage the subject. They have made good use of the resources available and have invested in their own CPD, spent time on monitoring and evaluation and have facilitated CPD for colleagues. As a result, the subject is run effectively, there is a strong sense of direction and colleagues are challenged and supported in a professional way. The portfolio and log have great examples of activities; the post-PSQM action plan is thorough and detailed”.
"This is an impressive submission with many strengths. The evidence is effectively linked to the reflections, making the claims for progress in the quality of provision credible and convincing. The way that developments are driven by a clear identification of needs is commendable and appropriate. The science leaders are clear about the impact that their actions have had, which is so important. As a result, I have no hesitation in recommending that the school receives a PSQM. A submission like this is the result of a great deal of hard work; not only is it well written but is based on a solid foundation of curriculum development work".
Our Vision for Science
In 2022, staff worked together to create a vision for Science at Buckingham Park. Eight new principles have been developed by the school and we can see these in practice from our youngest to eldest pupils. Our vision for Science is displayed in every classroom and we celebrate when we see these principles in action.
As a result, both teachers and pupils now have a shared understanding of what successful teaching and learning of Science involves. The principles and school drivers are used to inform teachers in their planning, learning activities and assessment strategies. These principles encourage our pupils to think and act like scientists; pupils know what is expected of them and how they can work successfully in Science.
Intent
At Buckingham Park Primary School, we believe that science stimulates and excites children’s curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It also satisfies their curiosity with knowledge and understanding. Science can engage learners at many levels, because it links direct practical experience with their ideas.
We believe that science will lead to a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. It provides opportunities to appreciate scientific facts and concepts, and to experience scientific discovery.
Science at Buckingham Park Primary School is about developing children’s ideas and ways of working that enable them to make sense in the world in which they live through investigation, as well as using and applying process skills.
Buckingham Park Primary School is extremely fortunate in that it is surrounded by an abundance of outside space, enabling the children to experience an outdoor and highly-practical curriculum. The teaching of science can embrace and incorporate the extensive grassed and woodland areas, along with the pond and numerous allotments onsite. It is our intent to use these facilities throughout the school, ensuring children have a hands-on, visual and practical science curriculum, one in which the children will conjure up many lasting memories.
Implementation
At Buckingham Park Primary School, we have created a well-sequenced and progressive curriculum in science, containing the key concepts children need to be procedurally fluent in to work and think like professional scientists, while embracing the school’s surroundings. Relevant and engaging activities are now organised to: promote children’s science capital; change views on science; and build awareness of STEM careers available.
Science pedagogy is based on the development of these key scientific concepts:
- Conceptual understanding
- Processes
- Skills of enquiry
- Scientific attitudes
Staff use a range of resources when planning the science curriculum, e.g. Kent Primary Science, STEM Learning, TAPPS and Cornerstones Maestro - these are used and adapted alongside the programmes of study in the National Curriculum.
Children are aware of and engage in the different types of enquiry, discussing which method is most appropriate when answering an enquiry question. Children consider the scientific skills they have used and reflect upon how they have 'worked like scientists' at the end of an enquiry (find assessment sheet below).
Impact
The impact of our science curriculum is to ensure pupils not only acquire the appropriate age related knowledge linked to the science curriculum, but to go further to nurture scientific curiosity. Our curriculum also provides the skills that equip pupils to progress from their starting points and apply to their everyday lives.
All pupils will have:
- a wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry/investigative skills
- a richer vocabulary which will enable them to articulate their understanding of taught concepts
- a curiosity about the world they live in
- an understanding of how science impacts their lives now and in the future
- high aspirations, which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life
- memorable experiences
- an awareness of the STEM careers available
