Science Curriculum
Intent
The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Children are taught to develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. Children are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
This is embedded in the work completed each year and is built upon in the different topics within the science curriculum. We aim to support children’s conceptual understanding of all aspects of the science curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to develop and use a range of scientific skills such as questioning, researching and observing, to understand how science can explain what is happening.
Implementation
Early Years
In EYFS, the pupils work through objectives within the ‘Understanding the World’ area of learning where they begin to explore the world around them, ask questions about how and why things happen and make observations about what they see. Through the ‘Personal Social and Emotional Development’ area, the children also learn how to look after themselves, eat healthy and stay safe. These experiences that the pupils have in EYFS are the foundations on which scientific knowledge and concepts are built.
Key Stage 1 and 2
Science is taught once a week as a discrete subject through Engaging Science. We aim to deliver engaging and fun science lessons which motivate and inspire the pupils. We develop the children’s learning by observing changes over time, grouping and classifying materials and carrying out simple tests. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions about what they notice, they are supported in their observations and the scientific language that they use to talk about what they have found. The content of the topics and concepts taught in Key Stage 2 is progressive, we build on our prior knowledge continually. Where it is possible, we aim to make cross curricular links with other subjects, particularly in Mathematics, when analysing data and literacy when writing up investigations.
Impact
- Science is planned to ensure progression.
- Knowledge is recapped to deepen understanding of prior learning.
- Children are given opportunities to work scientifically.
- We use our school grounds and local environments to ensure that children learn through a variety of first-hand experiences.
- Frequent learning outside the classroom is embedded throughout the science curriculum.
- Children have opportunities to observe and interact with real life scientists through school trips and visitors.