Science
Science Intent, Implementation and Impact
We give our children a fully-inclusive Science curriculum which enables them to be scientists, through which they question, explore and discover, resulting in a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through our practical, hands-on curriculum, we foster natural curiosity and equip our children with the necessary science skills to become lifelong learners. By the end of primary school, our children are aware of environmental issues, understand the science world of work through gained science capital and be able to use a vast scientific vocabulary. As a Christian school, our science curriculum is underpinned by theological questions and Bible references offering insight into the subject.
Throughout the school we have two main aims for Science learning. Firstly, we aim to provide our children with a thorough foundation in scientific knowledge and skills that will support their successful transition into secondary school learning. Secondly, we aim to foster and grow children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm for science in the world around them. As a highly inclusive school, we are committed to meeting the needs of children with SEND in the most effective way so that they achieve the best possible outcomes: we want pupils with SEND to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to reach their full potential, to be ready for the next stage in their education and, ultimately, to succeed in life. To do this, we adapt how we implement the Science curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with SEND so that we can develop their knowledge, skills and abilities to apply what they know and can do with increasing fluency and independence. The adaptations we make are appropriate and reasonable.
Our scientists in foundation stage will begin to question and explore the world through hands on experiences and communicating what they observe.
Children in Key Stage 1 and 2 will have blocks of Science throughout the year. Each focused topic, in line with the National Curriculum, begins with a question being posed to the children; we believe this will encourage discussion and highlight children’s previous knowledge and misconceptions. This will allow us to tailor the learning to suit the needs of the class and encourage progression in their learning. Each topic is also linked to a scientist who has worked within that field; this supports children’s understanding of science as a career. The scientists are carefully selected to reflect our school community and provide great role models for our children.
Within each topic, children are ‘working scientifically’ and expanding their scientific vocabulary and subject knowledge. They develop key skills such as asking questions, making predictions, setting up tests, observing and measuring, recording data, interpreting and communicating results and evaluating
Through completing practical enquiries and exploring ideas, children are given the opportunity to develop a strong core skill set including: predicting, experimenting and evaluating. Within the children’s learning they are encouraged to work collaboratively and communicate their ideas effectively whilst using a range of scientific language. Knowledge organisers are utilised for each unit of work and sent home ahead of learning, outlining knowledge and vocabulary which all children must master.
Alongside the core national curriculum coverage, children will spend half a term each year learning about environmental science. They will learn about issues that are currently affecting our world such as recycling, biodiversity, weather changes, air and water pollution and green energy alternatives.
An essential aspect of Science is its practical nature. Alongside in-class scientific investigations, classes will take part in trips, for example to the Natural History Museum, City Farms, Greenwich Royal Observatory and may be involved in Science workshops. We also participate in the National Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths week in the Spring time with a STEM exhibition for parents, governors and the local community. Our curriculum also covers Environmental Sciences to raise awareness with children of issues such as Recycling, Biodiversity Challenges, Water and Air Pollution and Green Energy Alternatives. Children then exhibit their learning at an open evening much like STEM week.
The impact of our science teaching on our children is to:
- achieve high quality outcomes
- make outstanding progress in relation to their individual starting points
- understand science in the world around them
- be able to question and discuss scientific issues with sound understanding and vocabulary
- have gained enough science capital to have an interest in the science world of work and of current environmental issues in our world
Our Science Curriculum