Science
Intent
At our school, we believe that science provides children with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to make sense of the world around them. Our science curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, awe and wonder. It encourages pupils to ask questions, explore ideas and develop a lifelong interest in science.
We aim to ensure that all children:
· Develop secure scientific knowledge and understanding across biology, chemistry and physics.
· Explore and investigate the world around them through practical, hands-on experiences.
· Become confident, independent learners who can think critically and solve problems.
· Build scientific vocabulary and communicate their ideas effectively.
· Understand the relevance of science in everyday life and its role in shaping the future.
· Appreciate the contributions of scientists from a diverse range of backgrounds.
· Develop respect for the natural world and an understanding of how science can help us care for our environment.
Our science curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and progressive, ensuring that every child develops the knowledge and skills needed for the next stage of their education. Our commitment to excellence in science is recognised through our PSQM award, reflecting our dedication to providing high-quality science education for all pupils.
Implementation
Science is taught through the White Rose Science Scheme, which we have chosen because it closely reflects our school's pedagogical approach and curriculum vision. Like our wider curriculum, the scheme follows a spiral approach, enabling pupils to revisit and build upon key scientific knowledge, vocabulary and enquiry skills over time. This supports our commitment to helping children make meaningful connections between new and prior learning and develop a secure understanding of scientific concepts.
We have chosen White Rose Science because it promotes an enquiry-based approach to learning, encouraging pupils to ask questions, investigate, observe, test ideas and draw conclusions through a range of practical experiences. This aligns with our aim of developing curious, reflective and independent learners who think critically and apply their knowledge in meaningful contexts.
We have also chosen White Rose Science because of its strong emphasis on scientific vocabulary, recall and retrieval practice. Its carefully sequenced planning supports consistent progression across the school while allowing teachers to adapt learning to meet the needs of their pupils.
Our curriculum is organised to:
· Deliver the National Curriculum through clearly structured units of learning.
· Revisit and build upon key knowledge and skills over time, enabling children to make connections and retain learning.
· Develop both substantive knowledge and disciplinary knowledge through practical scientific enquiry.
· Provide regular opportunities for children to question, predict, observe, investigate, analyse results and draw conclusions.
· Promote the accurate use of scientific vocabulary across all year groups.
· Foster curiosity and enthusiasm through engaging practical experiences and investigations.
· Assess learning through ongoing formative assessment and opportunities to review and deepen understanding.
Teachers use high-quality questioning, discussion and practical activities to deepen understanding and challenge thinking. Science learning is further enriched through investigations, outdoor learning opportunities, STEM links and experiences that help children see science in action beyond the classroom.
Impact
The impact of our science curriculum is demonstrated through children who are enthusiastic, curious and confident scientists. They leave our school with a secure understanding of key scientific concepts and the ability to apply their knowledge to new situations.
As a result of our science provision:
· Children make strong progress in scientific knowledge and skills from their starting points.
· Pupils can recall and apply scientific knowledge with increasing confidence and accuracy.
· Children use scientific vocabulary effectively to explain, justify and discuss their thinking.
· Pupils demonstrate the ability to work scientifically by asking questions, planning investigations, analysing results and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
· Children show curiosity about the world around them and understand how science relates to everyday life.
· Learners are prepared for the next stage of their science education and equipped with the skills needed for future learning.
· A positive culture of scientific enquiry is evident throughout the school, reflecting our commitment to excellence recognised through the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM).
Ultimately, our pupils leave school with a sense of wonder about the world, a secure foundation of scientific knowledge and the confidence to continue exploring, questioning and learning throughout their lives.
