Springwell School The Springwell Scientist
Intent
Springwell School Science Vision Statement
At Springwell, we value the natural curiosity children are born with. From the early years to completing KS2, science is used as vessel to drive and develop this curiosity. Lessons are planned to deepen and build on previous knowledge allowing our learners to make sense of the world around them. The promotion of asking questions, using the correct vocabulary and writing up enquiries in our Springwell format allow us to achieve consistency across the school.
Our Principles
Lessons are planned sequentially to build on children’s mental modes. Questions are encouraged so that learners can take ownership of their learning.
Practical enquiry is promoted to make learning real and engaging. Learning experiences balance independent and collaborative learning. A range of enquiry types are planned for to give children the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in different contexts. Learners’ learning is enriched with visits from outside agencies and specialists within school.
Implementation
Lessons are launched through big questions to get the children thinking critically and to prepare them for enquiry based learning. Teaching the correct vocabulary is at the heart of each lesson and this is reinforced through the Knowledge Organisers that the children access and annotate throughout a unit. Key vocabulary and questions are also purposefully displayed in classrooms. Over the course of the year, children engage in practical lessons delivered by their class teacher, the Science Lead and our enrichment company, Little House of Science. Every class receives ample opportunities to access our Potions Lab which is an interactive, wellresourced learning environment. Each half term, the children write up one of their investigations as a scientific report with lots of scaffolding in EY and KS1 leading to independent work in KS2.
Impact
A scientist at Springwell is a curious, inquisitive learner who is ready to question and challenge the world round them. Our “homemade” long term planning encompasses the standards set out by the national Curriculum, however, it also links learning cross circularly and introduces our learners to concepts that will inspire them. The knowledge and skills in our curriculum have been organised progressively to build year upon year allowing for retrieval and new learning.
