Science

Intent

Our aims for our Science curriculum are to support our pupils to become future scientists. Our knowledge-based curriculum aims to encourage pupils to use scientific knowledge and apply it to investigations to test out theories. Our hands-on curriculum develops critical thinking, questioning and curiosity. We aim to open pupils’ minds to understanding the world and unlock their potential.

 We aim to encourage all pupils to:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding

• feel enthused, engaged, inspired and challenged by their learning

• be inspired to ask their own questions

• learn scientific vocabulary

• experience quality scientific resources

• to understand how science lessons link to everyday life and the role science plays in the sustainability in everyday life

Implementation

We use the Primary Knowledge Trust curriculum for Science. The curriculum is enquiry-based and uses scientific approaches to answer relevant scientific based questions. Science lessons are planned to ensure that pupils develop scientific knowledge and skills.

 The knowledge rich curriculum

The knowledge-rich curriculum at William Harding;

· places powerful knowledge at the heart of the curriculum

· has carefully chosen and fascinating content

· is organised in a coherent way ensuring it builds from year to year

· is inclusive of all pupils

Our curriculum is made up of carefully planned lessons. Pupils actively be gather information, record data and graph data and interpret findings, which are all essential skills to Science. Pupils also learn about scientists who are famous in their fields and their scientific enquiries.

Foundation Stage

‘Understanding the world’ is about how children get to know about other people, the place where they live and about all aspects of the environment. In the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, ‘Understanding the world’ is broken down into three concepts: − People and communities, The world, Technology. Our Science curriculum for EYFS focuses on ‘The world’, and covers a wide range of topics in the natural and built environment, to develop children’s awareness of everything around them. Pupils are provided with opportunities to visit new places and to find out about different environments.

Key Stage 1

The National Curriculum states that the principal focus of science teaching in Key Stage 1 is to enable pupils to experience and observe phenomena, the natural and humanly-constructed world. Children have first-hand practical experiences and use appropriate secondary sources, such as books, photographs and videos.

Key Stage 2

Science teaching in Lower Key Stage 2 enables pupils to broaden their scientific view of the world. They do this through exploring, discussing, testing and developing ideas. As our pupils progress to Upper Key Stage 2, the focus is upon enabling pupils to develop a deeper understanding of a wide range of scientific ideas.

Vocabulary development

Teachers develop vocabulary actively, building systematically on pupils’ current knowledge. They will increase pupils’ vocabulary, and make links between known and new vocabulary. Through the knowledge organiser for each topic, specific scientific vocabulary is introduced to pupils, which they will regularly refer to.

Impact

The aim of our approach to teaching science is that pupils will;

  • • have developed an understanding of the world using scientific concepts

    • feel enthused, engaged, inspired and challenged by their learning

    • be inspired to ask their own questions

    • have the skills to plan investigations, explore concepts and make their own discoveries

    • have a wider scientific vocabulary

    • to ensure they can engage in discussion  

    • to develop scientific confidence

William Harding Science Long-Term Plan

If you would like to find out more about our Science curriculum, please email the office FAO Miss Hubbard, who leads the Science Team.

If you would like to find out more about our EYFS curriculum, please click here