Science
Policy
Adopted: 25th August 2011
Review date: 7th July 2012
Second Review Date: 16th April 2013
Third Review Date : 1st September 2014
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Meadow View Farm School
Science Policy
Introduction
Science is a way of working which allows children, through practical
first hand experiences and secondary sources, to develop their
knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. These
experiences should allow them to observe, investigate, make sense
of and communicate their findings.
The school is now using the Kent NGFL Science Scheme of
Work,
Aims and Objectives
At Meadow View Farm School we aim to
 Develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, science through
fun, enjoyable activities;
 Acquire and apply skills, knowledge and understanding of how
science works and its essential role in society;
 Develop an increasingly critical approach to scientific evidence
and methods;
 Develop children’s ability to work safely.
Furthermore, we aim for participation in science by all pupils to
ensure access to a broad, balanced curriculum.
A. Sequence of knowledge and concepts.
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In accordance with the guidance in the new National Curriculum, this
scheme has a clearly indicated progression in the key scientific knowledge
and concepts, from Year 1 to Year 6. Each of the 28 units of study clearly
indicates the aspects of knowledge to be developed. Where appropriate,
the unit will indicate the ‘learning journey’; i.e. where the knowledge and
concepts of that particular unit fit within the learning for that particular
aspect of science as the child progresses through the primary phase.
B. A range of activities that will enable the children to develop both their
scientific understanding and their mastery of the nature, processes and
method of science.
‘Working Scientifically’ through a constructivist approach to learning
Throughout each and every unit of study the emphasis is on the children
learning by doing. In accordance with the constructivist theory of learning,
the units encourage the teachers to provide activities that will enable the
children to test their previously held ideas. In doing so, they will also be
encouraged to develop a bank of skills and an understanding of the
processes required to be able to do good science. In every unit of work the
most suitable aspects of the statutory requirements for Working
Scientifically have been selected. Each of these requirements will be
thoroughly covered throughout both of the Key Stages.”
Objectives
Children who attend Meadow View Farm School will
 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific facts,
concepts techniques and terminology in the programme of study;
 Show understanding of how scientific evidence is collected and its
relationship with scientific explanations and theories.
 Plan a scientific task, such as a practical procedure, testing an
idea, answering a question or solving a problem.
 carry out practical tasks safely and skilfully;
 evaluate the methods they use when collecting first-hand and
secondary data;
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
consider the validity and reliability of data in presenting and
justifying conclusions
Teaching and Learning
Science is important because it gives young people skills; knowledge
and understanding that help them make sense of the world around
them and interrogate sources to test the validity of claims through a
logical process.
At Meadow View Farm School we aim to provide a curriculum in
keeping with the National Curriculum programme of study that is
relevant to all pupils.
At Meadow View Farm School we aim to create a balance between
individual, small group and whole class work. Group work is
acknowledged as being particularly valuable as it provides the
opportunity for the children to develop their personal and social skills.
1. Long term planning
This scheme contains 28 units of study. Each of these units of study
has been assigned to a particular Year group inline with the guidance
from the National Curriculum (2014). Suggestions have been made
as to possible best times of year to study some of the units, as well
as when different aspects of learning within a unit will need to be
taught at different times across a year.
2. Short term/lesson planning
The scheme of work will be invaluable for supporting primary
teachers with their lesson planning. Each of the units will have clear
and thorough advice on the following aspects of quality provision for
science:
As far as possible lessons will be planned that involve practical
activities to stimulate children’s interest and engage them in their
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learning. Use of the outdoor areas and the farm should be used
where ever possible and practical.
Assessment
Each class teacher is responsible for assessing and recording pupil
progress. Assessments are made through a combination of ongoing
teacher assessment and formal tasks.
“For each of the units an assessment record sheet has been created. Each
of these sheets will allow teachers to record children’s achievements during
their studies for both the knowledge aspects within a particular unit, and
some of the requirements from Working Scientifically. These record sheets,
and the intended learning objectives included in the units of study will
enable the teachers to identify what the children need to know or be able
to do next, as well as support them at different times in the year to make
summative judgements as to the children’s attainment.”
These assessments will then be uploaded each term to the “O Track”
assessment programme.
Resources
A resource base will be built up as topics are taught; teachers are
expected to request resources in advance of the topic they are
teaching in order that relevant and up to date resources are ordered.
Cross-curricular Links
Science has a set time in the weekly timetable and is taught as a
discreet subject. Where possible links should also be made to the
wider curriculum. The use of ICT is an important part of helping to
investigate and record scientific findings.
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