Science
We work hard to ensure that the children have a range of exciting science opportunities whilst at Vittoria, so that children develop into confident scientists with questioning minds.
Our Science Principles
At Vittoria we have drawn up a set of principles that guide our science. Staff, pupils and governors were involved in discussions about these principles:
Science helps us understand the world; how things work, why things happen and how we can change things. At Vittoria our science is interactive, practical and child-led, encouraging curiosity, responsibility and independence. We live in a fast changing world without borders, where it is important that our pupils are equipped for the science related jobs of the future and the challenges they will face.
At Vittoria:
- Science inspires and develops curiosity about the world, encouraging children to ask questions and think of themselves as capable scientists.
- Science develops children’s independence in investigation skills, promoting good team work and scientific reasoning.
- Children’s learning is related to real life situations and experiences, taking place outside as well as inside, including meeting scientists and going on science related visits.
- Science is fun and hands on, developing a love of science.
- Staff feel secure in their subject knowledge and can pass their enthusiasm onto the children.
Pupils in KS2 have a minimum of two hours science a week and KS1 one and a half hours.
How We Implement Science at Vittoria
We follow the National Science Curriculum objectives and have developed our own scheme of work to meet the needs of our pupils. In addition, we also follow the Plymouth Science Scheme, which provides structured lesson plans and resources that complement our own scheme. This ensures that our teaching is consistent, comprehensive, and aligned with both national expectations and best-practice approaches in science education. Key features of our approach include:
- Clear progression and sequencing: Science topics are carefully ordered to help children deepen their understanding over time and make connections between concepts. Pupils regularly revisit key learning from previous years to support retention of essential knowledge.
- Practical experiences: Children learn through observing phenomena, using scientific equipment, and conducting investigations linked to curriculum objectives.
- Science Capital Approach: We participated in a UCL/King's research project to develop a Science Capital approach. This has helped us adapt our teaching to start with children's experiences, fostering curiosity and engagement. Watch here to see the impact it has had on teaching at our school.
- Enrichment activities: Our curriculum includes visits, meeting scientists, and outdoor learning to enhance real-world connections. We offer opportunities such as:
- Science Club: A chance for pupils to explore and experiment beyond the classroom.
- Trips: Inspiring visits to learn from experts and interact with cutting-edge science.
- Participation in Science related events: Opportunities for children to share their investigations and celebrate science learning.
How We Support All Learners, including SEND
All children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or from disadvantaged backgrounds, are provided with the necessary support to fully engage with the science curriculum.
We use a range of strategies to make science accessible and meaningful:
- Widgit (InPrint symbols): These symbols help children understand key vocabulary and instructions by using visual supports.
- Visual aids and word mats: Used throughout lessons to support children's understanding of new scientific words and concepts.
- Practical and hands-on tasks: Allow children to learn by doing, which supports engagement and understanding.
- Structured sentence stems: Help children take part in discussions and explain their thinking clearly.
- Key vocabulary is taught explicitly: We make sure all children understand the language they need to talk about science.
- Adult support and small group work: Some children benefit from extra guidance to help them take part fully in lessons.
These strategies help us make sure that every child can be successful in science, whatever their starting point.
What is the impact of this?
The impact of this curriculum design will lead to outstanding progress over time, across key stages, relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of knowledge and skills. We want them to not only have acquired the appropriate age related knowledge linked to the science curriculum, but also skills which equip them to progress from their starting points and within their everyday lives.
You can follow what the children are doing in Science on Twitter @ScienceVittoria
