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. 

Science at Jenyns follows the National curriculum. 

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 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.

Jenyns pupils will have:

• The ability to think independently and raise questions about working scientifically and the knowledge and skills that it brings.
• Confidence and competence in the full range of practical skills, taking the initiative in, for example, planning and carrying out scientific investigations.
• Excellent scientific knowledge and understanding which is demonstrated in written and verbal explanations, solving challenging problems and reporting scientific findings.
• High levels of originality, imagination or innovation in the application of skills.
• The ability to undertake practical work in a variety of contexts, including fieldwork.
• A passion for science and its application in past, present and future technologies.

Implementation

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.

In Key Stage 1 and 2, Science is taught weekly at Jenyns and in half termly units. Lessons are planned to build upon prior learning, ensuring learning is memorable and meaningful to our pupils. We use the our progression in scientific knowledge document to ensure there is full curriculum coverage, including the key learning and vocabulary that our children need to acquire in line with the National Curriculum.

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 be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers.

Throughout the school (from EYFS to KS2), 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 will 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 KS2 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.