Science

Subject Intent

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. 

Our pupils are equipped with the skills to work scientifically and can communicate their findings in a variety of ways. They are curious about scientific processes and can apply a range of scientific enquiry techniques. The Barton Park Scientist not only understands the science covered in the classroom but can make links with the outside world. They can make connections across and between different curriculum areas and have a secure understanding of the content covered.

In our school:

• We have a dedicated room for science that can be used in KS1 and KS2. 
• Science is taught through practical, hands-on engaging learning. 
• Objectives across all strands of ‘working scientifically’ are revisited and embedded within and across year groups and key stages to ensure cumulative fluency 
• Our school is a member of Science Oxford. Children in all year groups experience a science workshop either at school or in the centre, annually.
• Every year, all our pupils take part in Science Oxford’s Big Science Competition: giving children a chance to create and try out their own scientific experiment. This provides an annual purposeful opportunity to hone their ‘working scientifically’ skills.  
• Connections are made within and across subject areas and to the wider world to encourage children’s scientific curiosity.
• We recognise that we are based in an area rich with world leading scientists, where life changing scientific breakthroughs are regularly made. We endeavour to forge links and seek opportunities to learn from scientists in our community, through parent talks, visits from those in the medical profession, and visits to education centres within the local hospital and university.

Subject Lead: Bryony McCraw