Science Curriculum

Curriculum Statements for Science

Intent

• We believe that science teaching and learning should be underpinned by a recognition of wonder in the world, questioning and challenge, delivered through thoughtfully planned practical activities, by teachers who foster critical thinking.
• The curriculum is underpinned by the National curriculum and is a spiral curriculum which not only builds children’s scientific knowledge, but their ability to investigate the world, extend their vocabulary and be critical when presented with facts.
• This curriculum includes the age appropriate facts, knowledge, skills and vocabulary required for each topic to ensure progression and suggested practical activities.
• We want our children to enjoy questioning the way the world works and develop the knowledge they need to understand it. We also seek to promote science and scientific careers as a valid choice for all and challenge stereotypes in science.

Implementation

• Teachers’ subject knowledge is strong.
• Teachers engage and reinforce children’s prior knowledge at the start of each topic and lesson. They reinforce scientific vocabulary throughout lessons.
• The children enjoy well thought out practical activities, individually, in pairs or appropriate groups.
• Activities are fully resourced to allow maximum participation and the development of skills and understanding.
• To facilitate this, the staff team have had CPD in practical science and therefore enjoy good subject knowledge.
• Staff use Plan Science to ensure working scientifically is embedded in each topic.
• Lessons are supported and enhanced by assemblies, science fairs, visitors, clubs and outdoor education where skills can be practised and knowledge widened. The school possesses a Science Board which is changed weekly to engender curiosity and aid research skills.
• Teachers assess against the learning objectives and by termly practical activities where process skills and scientific thinking (hypothesising, predicting, measuring and concluding) are assessed. At the end of each unit children record what they have learnt in the topic.

Impact

• Children have retained a body of scientific knowledge, enabling them to question and find out about the world they live in.
• They have developed enquiry, observation and investigative skills which they can use and apply.
• They will see careers in STEM as attractive and open to all.
• They will use an age appropriate scientific vocabulary when investigating the world
• They will understand the importance of science in the world, both as a means of providing solutions to world problems and developing technology.
• They will think critically and assess information. 

 What our children say about their learning in Science:-

'I love Science because it's the subject where you do most predicting and then practical work.' Ahraar Year 4

'You find out about loads of stuff and you test things.' Teddy Year 3

'It's fascinating because of all the different things you learn about.' Hana Year 5

'You learn new things by doing experiments.' Lucas Year 5

'We learn about us and how we work.' Ben Year 6