Science at Manuden

At Manuden Primary School, we want children to develop curiosity about the world around them and the confidence to ask questions, investigate ideas and explain what they discover.

Our science curriculum is designed to build secure scientific knowledge alongside the skills needed to work scientifically. Pupils are encouraged to observe carefully, make predictions, investigate, gather evidence and use what they know to explain patterns and outcomes.

We want children to see science as relevant to everyday life and to understand how scientific thinking helps us make sense of the world.

How We Teach Science

Science is taught through carefully sequenced units that build on pupils’ prior knowledge.

Teaching includes:

• explicit teaching of key scientific knowledge and vocabulary;
• practical investigations and observations;
• opportunities to ask and answer scientific questions;
• prediction and hypothesis;
• recording and interpreting results;
• identifying patterns and drawing conclusions;
• evaluating investigations; and
• revisiting important knowledge so that it becomes secure over time.

Teachers model scientific thinking and use questioning to help pupils explain their ideas clearly and accurately.

Working Scientifically

Working scientifically is developed throughout the science curriculum rather than taught as a separate strand.

Children learn progressively to:

• ask relevant scientific questions;
• make careful observations;
• use appropriate equipment safely;
• make predictions;
• plan and carry out investigations;
• measure and record accurately;
• present findings in different ways;
• identify patterns and relationships;
• draw conclusions from evidence; and
• evaluate the reliability of results.

As pupils progress through the school, they are expected to work with increasing independence and precision.

Science in Our Mixed-Age Classes

Our mixed-age science curriculum is carefully planned to ensure full National Curriculum coverage and clear progression over time.

Where appropriate, Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 follow a two-year curriculum cycle.

Teachers ensure that pupils build on prior learning without unnecessary repetition. Expectations, questioning and outcomes are adapted according to pupils’ age, prior knowledge and individual needs.

Scientific Vocabulary

Developing accurate scientific vocabulary is an important part of science teaching.

Key vocabulary is introduced explicitly, revisited regularly and used in discussion, practical work and written explanations.

We encourage pupils to use scientific language confidently when explaining observations, describing processes and communicating conclusions.

Practical Science

Practical experiences help children make sense of scientific ideas and develop their investigative skills.

Pupils have regular opportunities to observe, explore, compare, classify, measure and investigate.

Practical work is carefully planned so that it supports the scientific knowledge being taught rather than being an activity in isolation.

Supporting All Learners

We want every pupil to participate successfully in science.

Teachers adapt teaching and resources where necessary through approaches such as:

• practical and visual resources;
• explicit vocabulary teaching;
• additional modelling;
• structured questioning;
• adapted recording methods;
• additional rehearsal or pre-teaching; and
• targeted adult support where appropriate.

Adaptations are designed to remove barriers while maintaining ambitious expectations.

Assessment

Teachers assess science through questioning, discussion, practical work and pupils’ written and recorded work.

Assessment is used to identify:

• secure knowledge;
• misconceptions;
• gaps in understanding;
• development of scientific enquiry skills; and
• appropriate next steps.

Teachers revisit important concepts where needed so that pupils develop increasingly secure scientific understanding.

Science Beyond the Classroom

We aim to help pupils recognise science in the world around them.

Where appropriate, learning is enriched through outdoor learning, visitors, investigations, local environments and links with other curriculum subjects.

Children are encouraged to recognise how science contributes to areas such as medicine, technology, the environment and everyday life.

Key Science Information

• Science Curriculum Overview
• Science Progression
• Science Policy

Find Out More

If you would like further information about how science is taught at Manuden Primary School, please contact the school office.

Email: office@manuden.essex.sch.uk
Telephone: 01279 813370