‘People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.’ George Bernard Shaw.
Curriculum Intent
Our vision is to give our children a Science curriculum which enables them to explore and discover the world around them, resulting in a deeper understanding. This involves exciting, practical hands on experiences that encourage curiosity and questioning. We aim for these stimulating and challenging experiences to help secure and extend their scientific knowledge and vocabulary. We believe that these opportunities will ensure that our children are confident learners, who will explore the world by posing insightful and inquisitive questions about the world around them.
Throughout the school we have two main aims for Science learning. Firstly, we aim to provide our children with a thorough foundation in scientific knowledge and skills that will support their successful transition into secondary school learning. Secondly, we aim to instil in the children a curiosity and enthusiasm for Science.
Implementation
Our scientists in foundation stage will begin to question and explore the world through hands on experiences and communicating what they observe.
Children in Key Stage 1 and 2 will have blocks of Science throughout the year. Each focused topic begins with a question being posed to the children; we believe this will encourage discussion and highlight children’s previous knowledge and misconceptions. This will allow us to tailor the learning to suit the needs of the class and encourage progression in their learning.
An essential aspect of Science is its practical nature. Alongside practical enquiries, classes will take part in trips, for example to the Science Museum in Bristol – ‘We The Curious’ and to Bristol Zoo for workshops. They may be involved in Science workshops delivered by organisations visiting the school to stimulate further learning.
Our curriculum documents are divided into 3 phases:-
EYFS and KS1 = Reception, year 1 and year 2
Lower KS2 = Year 3 and year 4
Upper KS2 = Year 5 and year 6
IMPACT
Within each topic, children are ‘working scientifically’ and expanding their scientific vocabulary and subject knowledge. They develop key skills such as collecting data, pattern seeking identifying and classifying. Through completing practical enquiries and exploring ideas children are given the opportunity to develop a strong core skill set including: predicting, experimenting and evaluating. Within the children’s learning they are encouraged to work collaboratively and communicate their ideas effectively whilst using a range of scientific language.
Please click on the links below to see the curriculum coverage documents for each phase of learning.
To see how we have linked our whole school curriculum to the National Curriculum expectations please click on the link below.
Please click on the link below to see the whole school progression of skills for Science.
Useful Links
www.saps.org.uk/primary —A range of different investigations and explanation of terms.
www.hubblesite.org/the_telescope – Excellent images of stars and galaxies
www.kidsastronomy.com – Astronomy and space for children
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science – A range of different science topics explained
www.hubblesite.org/the_telescope – Excellent images of stars and galaxies
www.kidsastronomy.com – Astronomy and space for children
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science – A range of different science topics explained
