At Jenyns First School and Nursery, we are pleased and proud to be the recipients of the Primary Science Quality Mark.

Primary Science Quality Marks have been awarded to 425 nursery, infant, junior, primary, middle, international and special schools this month to celebrate their commitment to excellence in science leadership, teaching and learning. So far, since its national launch in 2010, more than 5000 Primary Science Quality Marks (PSQM) have been awarded, creating a solid foundation of quality science education for over 1,000,000 children.

We are very proud of how much Science has developed and improved since commencing our hard work for the award and will continue to ensure Science is a pivotal part of the curriculum here at Jenyns. 

Intent

Our aim is to meet the needs of all the children at Jenyns. We ensure that we teach and cover the Statutory framework for the foundation stage and follow the National curriculum objectives for Science (and where possible) link learning to our core texts, so that it is meaningful and relevant. This will develop and broaden our children’s vocabulary. We encourage our children to ask questions and work collaboratively to come to their own conclusions through an inquiry-based approach.

At Jenyns, we believe that a high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science in our school is about developing children’s ideas and ways of working that enable them to make sense of the world in which they live through investigation, as well as using and applying process skills. Our staff ensure that all children are exposed to high-quality teaching and learning experiences, which allow children to explore their outdoor environment and locality, thus developing their scientific enquiry and investigative skills. They are immersed in scientific vocabulary, which aids children’s knowledge and understanding not only of the topic they are studying, but also of the world around them.

Implementation

In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in science, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. Our science planning and lessons give full coverage of the National Curriculum programmes of study and Understanding the World in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Science teaching at Jenyns involves adapting and extending the curriculum to match all pupils’ needs.  Science is taught as discrete units and lessons with links made to all areas of the curriculum.  Due to our mixed aged classes, science units are taught on a two-year rolling programme. This ensures progression between year groups and guarantees topics are covered. Teachers plan to suit their children’s interests, current events, their own teaching style, the use of any support staff and the resources available.

In EYFS, areas of science are explored and developed through play, investigation and observation. This may be child, or adult-led. Some learning will be planned for; other skills will be mastered in the moment through child-initiated learning with skilful questioning leading to discovery. Observations and pictures (which the children may annotate) are recorded through Tapestry.

Outdoor learning is a huge part of our curriculum and enables science to be taught using outdoor learning spaces: the sensory garden, pond area and forest school. Problem solving opportunities allow children to find out more for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers.

Throughout the school (from EYFS to LKS2), lessons are predominantly practical – allowing children to develop critical thinking skills – essential in science. Children are encouraged to select and use equipment, collate and interpret results and discuss conclusions based on real evidence.

Teachers use precise questioning throughout the learning process to assess the children’s knowledge and understanding. We also create a positive attitude to science learning within our classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all pupils can achieve high standards in science.

Impact

Our children are motivated and engaged in science and are resourceful in their approaches to investigations. Our curriculum ensures that our children are provided with essential knowledge and the foundations for understanding of the world. Progression is clearly planned for from Early Years to LKS2 and evidenced in their learning. Scientific skills are developed, and prior learning is built upon each year.  

Children can use this prior learning to deepen their own understanding, making links and asking questions. Learning is assessed using questioning and evidence within the children’s books.