At South Gosforth First School, we aim to give all of our pupils a strong understanding of the world around them. Pupils are able to discover ‘how the world works’ and our place, impact, roles and responsibilities within this world. Our pupils are encouraged to ask questions, think deeply and apply their growing scientific knowledge to investigate and learn more about the different branches of Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Our skilled staff teach our children to develop a systematic and logical way of working and provide opportunities for them to reflect on investigations and apply their growing knowledge in a range of different contexts.

As part of the planning process for Science at SGFS, teaching staff give careful consideration to the delivery of ‘substantive knowledge’ (what we learn) running alongside ‘procedural knowledge’ (how we learn). The sequence of learning dictates what should be taught, when it should be taught and how it should be taught, anticipating common misconceptions and providing a rich background of detailed subject knowledge for teachers in order that all children can reach beyond core concepts. Understanding of each key block of substantive knowledge is revisited across the years to ensure genuine progression, while the curriculum details the specialist vocabulary children should be able to use to articulate their understanding accurately and precisely at each stage. Working in this way in the classroom is described as ‘Working as a Scientist’ to pupils – This includes the following key skills: Observing Over Time; Pattern Seeking; Identifying, Grouping and Classifying; Carrying out Research Using a Range of Sources; Comparative Testing and Fair Testing. Practical tasks are carefully considered to ensure that they promote the children’s best work, are relevant to the unit studied and make the learning journey assured.

Please see below some of our key documents linked to the teaching of Science here at South Gosforth First School, including a Science Subject Overview, Science Whole School Progression & Assessment document and Science Long Term Plans for each year group: