Science Vision Statement

Intent

At Oakwood Infant and Nursery School, our vision is to engage our children as learners to create secure and confident individuals. This will allow our pupils to be able to explore the world around them and develop a deepened understanding of the world they live in today. We aim to instil a love of exploring and discovering new things to allow our children to pursue a passion for STEM subjects. We embed Working Scientifically skills throughout children’s time at school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings. Our curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of our children from Early Years through to Year 2, through quality first teaching, enriched learning experiences, using scientific vocabulary and use of our superb outdoor environment including our Forest School. Our children will use these experiences to develop and further their understanding of key scientific concepts and enquiry skills. Through practical experiences children are taught to understand risk and responsibility as well as develop a curiosity for the world that surrounds them. A key focus at Oakwood Infant and Nursery School is to develop and nurture children’s understanding of Science Capital and their future aspirations in STEM subjects through provision including trips, events, visits and visitors.

Implementation

Through quality first teaching, targeted support and staff that are passionate in providing the best teaching and learning, staff at Oakwood Infant and Nursery School are dedicated in creating a positive attitude and ethos towards Science in the classroom. The children are taught that they are all capable of achieving in Science, regardless of gender, race or background. Our whole school approach to Science includes:

• Carefully planned lessons for each area of the Science curriculum, mapping the progression across Early Years through to Year 2
• High quality questioning to develop children’s curiosity and aid understanding
• A key focus on embedding Working Scientifically skills through all areas of Science
• Opportunities for children to use scientific equipment, understanding the health and safety risks involved
• A broadened curriculum through opportunities including trips, visits and visitors linked to the current Science topic
• Celebration of regular events such as Science Week and termly outdoor school events to involve families and the wider community 

Impact

Our Science curriculum is designed with the children at the very heart of our teaching, in order to give children the very best opportunities to achieve their full potential in Science. We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

• A reflection on standards achieved against the National Curriculum statements (KPI’s)
• Tracking of knowledge in pre and post learning activities
• Pupil voice, involving children in discussions about their learning