Science Curriculum

‘A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.’ (National Curriculum, 2014)

Aims

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure 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.

Curriculum Intent

St. Martin’s C of E (VA) Primary School recognises and values the importance of science and scientific enquiry. Science at St. Martin’s aims to develop a fun, practical and engaging high-quality curriculum that inspires the next generation to succeed and excel in science. We do this through fully adhering to the aims of the National Curriculum and fostering a healthy curiosity and interest in the sciences.

At the heart of our progressive science curriculum is scientific investigation. Wherever possible, we intend to deliver lessons where children learn through varied systematic investigations, leading to them being equipped for life to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them.

We believe that science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the ‘Working Scientifically’ skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school, so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments and investigation, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently, being familiar with scientific terminology and, most importantly, to continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.

Curriculum Implementation

The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. Linked knowledge organisers enable children to learn and retain the important, useful and powerful vocabulary and knowledge contained within each unit.

At the beginning of each unit, the children document what they already know, how they know and what they would like to find out.

The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons.

At St. Martin’s, teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:

- Science will be taught in planned, and arranged, topic blocks by the class teacher. Our strategy is to enable all children to be catered for through adapted planning suited to their abilities.

- We plan for problem solving and real-life opportunities that enable children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating practical, engaging lessons with opportunities for precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning.

- Our curriculum is progressive. We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years, which is tested through our ‘pre-learning quizzes’ where teachers can identify misconceptions that need addressing.

- Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career, and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. This is developed through the years, in keeping with the topics.

- Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various ‘Working Scientifically’ skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts.

Curriculum Impact

The successful approach to the teaching of science at St. Martin’s results in a fun, engaging, high quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for understanding the world that they can take with them once they complete their primary education.

So much of science lends itself to outdoor learning, and so we provide children with opportunities to experience this.

Children learn the possibilities for careers in science as a result of our community links and enrichment activities such as the ‘Scarborough Science and Engineering Exhibition.’

Pupil voice is used to further develop the Science curriculum, through questioning of pupils’ views and attitudes towards Science, to assess the children’s enjoyment of science, and to motivate learners.

Science Subject Lead: Miss S. Harper / Mrs A. Logue (Interim Lead)