Our Science curriculum is taught in explicit units, in line with the National Curriculum and is based on the ‘Engaging Science’ scheme of work. Science lessons are planned to allow pupils to acquire scientific skills of enquiry, which include: identifying questions that can be addressed scientifically; Planning, organising and implementing experiments; Forming conclusions and evaluations based on data; and recognising the limitations of their own work and the work of others.

Key science knowledge, skills and vocabulary have been carefully mapped across all year groups to ensure progression between year groups. As a result, pupils learn about real life science-specific examples, as well as developing their skills throughout the programme of study.

Planning in science is coherent and in a logical order so that pupils can make links, transfer knowledge and content from previous learning to build on their understanding. Learning is planned in manageable, connected steps; lessons are coherently and deliberately constructed to include careful scaffolding to ensure that pupils develop secure knowledge and understanding of key concepts and strategies that are built upon in later learning. The momentum of science lessons sustains pupils’ interest, increases their productivity, learning and progress. Discretion is used by teachers about the effective use of differentiation.

Our science curriculum is based on teach, repeat, practice and review; there is a shorter whole class teaching approach linked to a well-structured and monitored independent learning for a sustained period. Pupils are given the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to remember, practice and apply, and transfer their knowledge, understanding and vocabulary.

Science is also taught discretely throughout other aspects of the curriculum allowing pupils to access a broad curriculum, with examples of this including writing lessons within each science topic. When conducting investigations, pupils are encouraged to think like scientists and make predictions using their previous knowledge and experiences to support their theologies. Teachers model the use of vocabulary, various scientific equipment and the working scientifically skills needed in order to embed scientific understanding. To underpin this, scientific vocabulary is displayed in each class through ‘Working Walls’ and pupils are encouraged to use these words in their discussions and independent work.

Our Science curriculum is tailored and adapted to suit the individual needs of each year group. This allows us to ensure that all pupils are keeping up with the curriculum, therefore making good progress. Our skills progression enables us to ensure that pupils’ scientific understanding is consistently being built upon, as it provides clear, differentiated structure. We monitor pupils’ outcomes across each Science unit as they move throughout the academy.

All children will be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. They will build a rich and in-depth subject knowledge and conceptual understanding and will be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. Pupils will learn through a variety of interesting contexts, which will enable them to see clear links between different aspects of their learning.

They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes. Our children will develop and demonstrate their creativity and will experience the challenge and enjoyment of learning. They will be helped to understand the purpose and value of their learning to see its relevance to their past, present and future.

“Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity.”

Pupils will:

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics;
• Develop an 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;
• Be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future;
• Explore different beliefs, experiences, faiths, feelings and values towards other areas of science;
• Enjoy learning about the work of others around them and the surrounding world;
• Use imagination and creativity when working and will be encouraged to reflect on their experiences;
• Learn to appreciate cultural influences in science and use this learning to inform their thinking;
• Understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity in science.

Our Science curriculum will:

• Give children the opportunity to use a range of social skills to make a positive contribution in the local community and beyond;
• Allow children to appreciate diverse viewpoints about science throughout the ages; participate, volunteer and cooperate when working collaboratively; and resolve conflict, when it arises;
• Show children how to respect and tolerate the opinions of others;
• Be part of a system where everyone will be free to express views and ideas.
• Will give children the opportunity to learn in a peaceful and supportive environment where they will get to work in a range of groups and settings, build respectful friendships and recognise that people are good at different areas in across the science spectrum. Children will learn how to respect themselves and others and to develop their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. They will reflect and think mindfully about their learning and will be encouraged to follow their own interests and to be themselves;
• Give children the opportunity to express their opinions on a range of different scientific movements. They will take part in age-appropriate discussions and make choices about the work that they complete. Children will be asked to share what they like and dislike about their learning and will be invited to contribute to the planning of their learning journey. All children will be encouraged to make a positive contribution to the academy and local community and explore ways of using outcomes to become a responsible global citizen;
• Be taught through a pedagogy that excites, promotes and sustains children’s interest, enabling and fostering their natural curiosity. They will be offered a memorable experience at the start of every topic and will learn how to problem-solve, how to be creative and how to communicate. Our science curriculum will enable the children to reflect on and evaluate their learning and will promote their innovation;
• We will enrich our science curriculum by using quality resources in and out of the classroom as well as offering opportunities for the children to learn outdoors. We will provide on and off-site subject or topic related activities and hold specialist Science days. It is important for us to welcome parents and carers to take part in children’s learning and experiences, and we will develop partnerships with external providers that extend children’s opportunities for learning.