Science Curriculum Design and Progression Documents

How we approach the teaching of Science curriculum

Intent

At Woodlands Park Primary, an important objective is for all pupils to develop as young scientists and we achieve this by recognising and planning for the skills future scientists will require.

We aim to inspire our pupils by providing opportunities to ask questions in order to develop a sense of interest and enthusiasm for Science. We aim to do this through a curriculum which is designed to ensure that all pupils are given the opportunity to develop their scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We also aim for our children to develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them answer scientific questions about the world around them. Through this, we aspire for our children to be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.

Implementation of our Science curriculum

Science follows the objectives of the National Curriculum. An enquiry approach is used as the basis for the delivery of Science throughout the school.  We have established a school curriculum plan for Science as an entitlement for all pupils:

➢That is logical, and broad and balanced in terms of the areas of subject content.

➢ Is progressive across all year groups in terms of the complexity of the ‘subject knowledge’ and building key ‘enquiry’ and ‘working scientifically’ skills.

➢ Which provides opportunities for pupils to acquire and apply critical thinking skills to real life scenarios Planning Within the Early Years Foundation Stage, Science is integral to the Early Learning Goal of Understanding the World. Pupils are encouraged to make sense of the natural world and make observations of animals and plants. They also learn about changes in the natural world and changing states of matter.

The Snap Science scheme of work is used to structure the planning, teaching and formative assessment of Science. Lessons consist of exploring scientific concepts through the five enquiry skills, challenges through activities or questioning, and the use of reflect and review sessions where appropriate. Lessons are taught weekly.

Our teaching and learning in Science, is interactive and practical. Similarly, we provide varied and differentiated ways for pupils to record the outcomes of their work. Only in this way will knowledge become embedded and ‘sticky’ and ensure that our pupils can build on what they know and understand from one year to the next. Success for all, through learning together...

Impact of our Science curriculum

Each unit of work which forms the programme of teaching and learning in Science sets clear objectives which define the anticipated outcomes for the pupil. Evidence is drawn from a wide range of sources to inform this process including interaction with pupils during discussions and related questioning, day to day observations, practical activities and through writing. We have collated end of unit age-related expectations which outline the scientific knowledge, enquiry skills, ‘working scientifically’ skills and vocabulary development that we aim for our children to acquire as they move up through each year group.