Intent

Science explains the material world. By learning about the products of science, pupils are able to explain the world around them. By learning how scientific enquiry establishes scientific knowledge, pupils learn about its nature and status.

Our curriculum for science ensures that all pupils:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
• 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
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Implementation

We aim to break down the essential aspects of key stage science into easily digestible chunks.

Through experiment, practice and discussion, our children gain core knowledge around:

• Scientific vocabulary
• ‘Working scientifically’ skills including systematic and careful observations and following practical scientific methods
• The gathering and interpretation of straightforward scientific evidence
• The use of everyday materials and scientific equipment to solve science problems
• Articulating scientific concepts and using five types of science enquiries

We believe that children should be taught science in a way that helps nurture an understanding of the value of scientific skills. We think science learning should be engaging and inspiring.

Substantive knowledge across year groups:

Working Scientifically (Disciplinary Knowledge) across key stages:

Impact

The impact of our science curriculum is constantly monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities within lessons. 

The impact of our Science curriculum is that children will:

• develop a secure understanding of each key block of knowledge and concepts in order to progress to the next stage.
• be able to describe associated processes and key characteristics in common language
• use technical terminology accurately and precisely, building an extended specialist vocabulary
• be able to apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science, including collecting, presenting and analysing data
• learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions
• know and apply the features of scientific enquiry including: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources.
• seek answers to questions through collecting, analysing and presenting data.