Science

Intent

The intent of the Science curriculum is to develop pupils’ science subject knowledge, attitudes, experiences and understanding of how the subject relates to them.  The bigger picture is to help them continue the belief that ‘science is for me’ which will lay the foundations to engage better with the subject and take their science education further in the future.

We will deliver a science curriculum that:

  • Inspires children’s curiosity about the scientific world
  • Encourages them to ask questions and deepen understanding
  • Gives first-hand practical experiences to deepen understanding
  • Allows children to build on prior knowledge
  • Develops use of other sources of evidence (books, photographs and videos) by the end of KS1
  • Teaches key knowledge within the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
  • Develops enquiry skills to enable them to make simple predictions and explain what is occurring
  • Develops understanding and use of scientific vocabulary
  • Develops science-related attitudes, values and dispositions

Implementation

The Science Programme of Study provided by the National Curriculum sets out the following subject content.

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.

It also sets out the following skills that should be developed:

  • Spoken language - The quality and variety of language that pupils hear and speak are key factors in developing their scientific vocabulary and articulating scientific concepts clearly and precisely. They must be assisted in making their thinking clear, both to themselves and others, and teachers should ensure that pupils build secure foundations by using discussion to probe and remedy their misconceptions.

In order to achieve this, LIS has broken down the programme of study to ensure both progression and coverage across FS2 and Key Stage 1, and developed teaching, learning and sequencing of the curriculum as follows: 

  • We teach the required relevant programme of study by the end of the key stage.
  • We have some coverage of content earlier than set out in the programme of study where appropriate especially when it will enhance what the children are doing or would naturally fit in. Where this is the case the following year group recaps and revises content.
  • Each of the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics as well as the working scientifically strand is taught though topics where possible. Sometimes science content will be taught in a standalone context, as it is the most appropriate way.

Impact

  • Continued training and support for teachers ensuring they are the experts in the subjects that they teach
  • There will be a clear progression of skills across FS2 and Key Stage 1 that builds on prior knowledge that can be demonstrated in books and by talking to children.
  • Our children will be confident scientists and be able to clearly discuss their learning from past and current topics, as well as explain their next steps

Please click here to see our Progression Map for Science.


Creating Little Scientists!