Scientific and Technological Understanding

Intent

Our aim is to provide a broad and stimulating curriculum which enables children, from the EYFS all the way to KS2, to develop their Scientific and Technological understanding.
By the time children leave Flitwick Lower school, we want them to have a natural curiosity for learning with a keenness to explore new things. We want them to have an awareness of how Science is relevant in today’s society; be equipped with the skills required to use computers safely and effectively and to be able to apply the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly advancing technological world.
The children will develop key skills such as problem solving; questioning and critical thinking; making informed decisions; investigating, recording and applying; and learning how to communicate effectively, throughout their time at FLS.

Implementation

With a focus on providing many opportunities for practical lessons across the school, we deploy teaching strategies which promote the use of enquiry skills, critical thinking and problem solving. In doing this, children will later be able to investigate and answer questions which puzzle them; use effective communication and critical thinking skills in everyday life, and to become confident users of IT and responsible digital users.

In the EYFS, the children are taught science through exploration and investigative play, which is weaved through their topics. Examples include making ‘stick’ skeletons from branches, interactive story-telling and discussion, creating mini beasts habitats and Autumn leaves from chromatography paper.

In KS1 and KS2, science is taught more explicitly, through weekly science lessons, where the children learn how to plan, perform and write up experiments, with a keen focus on scientific vocabulary, and learn about the world around us through engaging practical lessons; such as creating cotton bud skeletons, dissolving calcium in bones, creating a ‘bouncy egg’ to demonstrate tooth enamel deterioration and creating a waterproof roof for Warwick castle! We believe that resourceful-rich lessons with ‘hands on’ experience will promote an enthusiasm for learning for all children.
We cater for all children, with a specific focus on disadvantaged and minority groups (RADY), through our out-of-school science and ICT clubs which provide a variety of technological-based opportunities. We use mixed ability groups in lessons to aid learning opportunities and to ensure all children reach their learning potential and that children can learn from one another and support their peers.

Impact

By learning through play and adapting teaching to the children’s interests in the EYFS, this inspires a love for learning and inquisitiveness which probes the children to ask questions and think critically. A resourceful rich learning environment allows all children (including RADY) to have experiences which they would not necessarily have at home, such as looking at fish scales with magnifying glasses.

The delivery of our curriculum in Key Stage 1 and 2, will allow our children to become confident when working practically within a team; become curious learners, often asking ‘why?’ and thinking independently.
Using mixed ability groups in science, will ensure children develop leadership skills and learn from one another. This also helps to consolidate their knowledge through discussion based learning and build their confidence with using key terminology fluenty. Out-of-school clubs and learning at home challenges will build the confidence of disadvantaged children (RADY) in Science and ICT, allowing them to develop their investigative and enquiry skills. Children will be competent with, not only carrying out scientific experiments, but will also be equipped with the skills to write them up effectively.