Science

Our Science Intent

'At Holywell Village First School we have high aspirations for our children to become well-rounded and responsible future citizens. They are happy, independent and have positive self-esteem. Our children have a thirst for learning. They are curious about the world around them and are confident to ‘have a go’. They are reflective learners who persevere and demonstrate good communication and social skills. They are thoughtful, caring and kind.'

Holywell First School’s DT curriculum is designed with the intent of nurturing happy, independent learners who are curious and have a thirst for knowledge. Our intent in teaching Science is that all children will develop and maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards science lessons. Through our creative curriculum, they will be confident in their own ability to make important and relevant contributions. They will have an awareness of the diversity and open-endedness of scientific enquiry and an appreciation of its relevance to everyday life. The children of Holywell First School will acquire scientific knowledge to solve problems in their community and within in their own lives through exploring, observing, comparing and discussing findings to their own experiments. We encourage children to express their own ideas, question the ideas of others and develop enquiring minds.

Science is important because:

  • It is a body of knowledge essential to our understanding of the world around us.
  • It builds a methodology for thinking which today forms the basis of most intellectual enquiry.
  • The skills and knowledge of science have wide applicability in everyday life.

Our Implementation of Science

In line with our creative curriculum, Science at Holywell Village First School is implemented though fun and engaging cross curricular work. At times, children may study a discrete science unit, but enquiries are usually set in a relevant context. The emphasis, in our teaching of science, is largely on first-hand experience and the development of skills. We encourage the children to take control of their own learning through the planning and development of their own scientific enquiry to proposing their own scientific questions. The children are also encouraged to make their own self assessments, alongside peer and teacher, against learning outcomes and success criteria.

Children are encouraged to communicate their findings in a variety of ways:

  • written explanations (letters, speech bubbles, reports, newspaper articles)
  • drawings and diagrams
  • graphs, tables, charts, Venn and Carroll diagrams
  • posters
  • oral presentations
  • drama
  • relevant discussion

What makes our science unique to Holywell Village First School?

At Holywell First School we pride ourselves on providing children with a range of experiences. Holywell First School works closely with their dedicated Parent Governor to develop and arrange exciting science activities throughout the year in association with Churchill Community College and their Science Ambassadors. Throughout the Year, the children have many opportunities to take part in a range of experiences such as British Science Week and trips to local museums.  Lessons are planned and delivered with high quality and engaging resources using the Capital Science approach to teaching. The children use a range of ICT for research as well as gathering and recording findings to their own questions.