Science

At the Cooperative Education East Trust, we recognise the importance of Science in many aspects of daily life. The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of
our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. We aim to develop a natural curiosity, respect for organisms and the environment around us as well as opportunities for hands- on investigation and critical evaluation. Critical thinking skills are key to scientific enquiry and we always encourage children to ask questions of themselves and the world around them in order to make sense of
what they are learning.
Our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:
• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding;
• develop understanding the world they live in through various types of scientific enquiry that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them;
• be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future;
• develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge;
• use a range of methods to communicate information;
• develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety;
• develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.
The Developing Experts Scheme of Work for Science works alongside the National Curriculum to provide a structure and skill development for the science curriculum being taught throughout the school, with clear
progression of skills and knowledge through the year groups. There is a clear expectation of what children should know upon leaving each year group along with a clear expectation of how these knowledge and skills will be built on in subsequent year groups when topics are re-visited.
Regular retrieval practice is encouraged to ensure that once skills and knowledge have been taught, they are used regularly in order to avoid them being forgotten.