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Teachers have high expectations of pupils’ achievement and behaviour.

Ofsted

Science

Science at Down Ampney Primary School focuses on developing and enhancing children’s substantive knowledge; the content of the Primary Science Curriculum, as well as their disciplinary knowledge; the development of Working Scientifically skills and thinking like a scientist through scientific enquiry. Science lessons are designed to promote curiosity and a solid understanding of the world around us and a love of discovery is key.

Science learning begins in EYFS, where children are encouraged to make sense of the world around them through playing, observing and asking questions. Children are naturally curious and keen to explore the world around them with awe and wonder. We make the most of their desire to learn in a hands-on way by providing accessible and engaging opportunities to develop scientific talk, develop their observation skills through both adult led and independent exploration.

Find out more about our approach to science teaching in Early Years here:

https://pstt.org.uk/resources/curriculum-materials/eyfs-science

In KS1 and KS2, we follow a 2-year rolling programme of study. As members of the ASE (Association of Science Education), we plan our progression in Knowledge and Working Scientifically skills carefully so that children build on their knowledge and skills year by year, using the PLAN (Pan-London Assessment Network) progression matrices. To enable us to both stretch and support children in their scientific learning and to evaluate their progress, we use the Teacher Assessment in Primary Science (TAPS) project, which is based at Bath Spa University and funded by the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT).

Find out more about this approach here: https://www.ase.org.uk/plan

Down Ampney Primary School is also a member of the Ogden Trust Schools Partnership, which means we receive funding for incredible science resources, as well as staff training and the opportunity to collaborate with the other schools in our cluster.  More information on our schools partnership can be found here: https://www.ogdentrust.com/school-partnerships/  

From 2023, we are also part of the Enthuse Partnership, a group of 6 schools within the local area who will work collaboratively to inspire pupils to engage with STEM subjects. The schools involved will receive funding support and access to continued professional development for staff, leading educational resources and STEM ambassadors who will share their background and knowledge to inspire young people.

Our 2 Year Rolling Long Term Plan

Please look at the attached PLAN progression documents to see how skills and knowledge are built from EYFS to Year 6.

Progression in knowledge

Progression in working scientifically

Summary of Science in EYFS

Progression in vocabulary