Science

The intent of our Science Curriculum is to:

• Develop a positive attitude towards science and an awareness of its fascination;
• Promote an understanding of science through a process of enquiry and investigation;
• Build confidence and competence in scientific knowledge, concepts and skills;
• Develop the ability to reason, predict, think logically and to work systematically and accurately;
• Develop the ability to communicate scientifically;
• Develop the ability to describe processes, scientific concepts and key characteristics using technical terminology accurately and precisely;
• Promote the initiative to work both independently and in co-operation with others;
• Develop the ability and understanding to use and apply science across the curriculum and real life;
• Develop the ability to apply their English and mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science including collecting, presenting and analysing data;
• Develop an understanding of how to work with regard to their own safety and that of others.

The implementation of our Science Curriculum:

In our curriculum, the names of the science projects are matched to the national curriculum aspects, for example, Living things and their habitats and Earth and space. However, in Lower School, the aspect of Animals, including humans has been separated so that children study humans before expanding to explore animals.

The sequencing of projects ensures that children have the substantive knowledge and vocabulary to comprehend subsequent projects fully. Each project’s place in the year has also been carefully considered. For example, projects that involve growing plants or observing animals are positioned at a suitable time of year to give children the best possible opportunity to make first-hand observations. Within all the science projects, disciplinary knowledge is embedded within substantive content.

The intended impact of our Science Curriculum is that:

By the end of Key Stage 2, we aim for our children to achieve their full potential in science and marvel at the awe and wonder of how science emulates throughout every aspect of our daily lives. We want the children to recall the rich learning experiences they have been provided with and know that each new taught concept provides a new, or builds on an existing, learning block. We want our children to think critically, ask questions and use their metacognitive learning skills. Our children know to persevere and embrace challenge and as a result, enjoy their success.

The impact and measure of this is to ensure children not only acquire 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.

All children will have:

• A wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry/investigative skills.
• A richer vocabulary which will enable to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.
• High aspirations, which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life.

Our Subject Leader for Science is Mrs Mead.