Intent
Our science curriculum helps pupils develop scientific ideas and an understanding about the biological and physical aspects of the world and the processes through which they develop.
Science contributes significantly to our pupils' enjoyment and understanding of the world and their place within it. It is made accessible to all pupils through a focus on practical work, first hand experience and special events designed to inspire and engage learners.
Teaching key skills like observations, predictions and evaluation of first hand observations are of equal importance to knowledge and understanding. Science is taught either as a stand alone subject or incorporated into our curriculum where applicable. This ensures a holistic approach in the acquisition of scientific skills and knowledge.
Systematic enquiry, analysis of problems, formation of ideas, testing and modification are encouraged through whole class, group or individual investigations and project work, designed to arouse pupils' natural curiosity.
Implementation
At Peakirk cum Glinton Primary School we follow the National Curriculum for Science and use a scheme to support teaching and learning called ‘Developing Experts’. These units of work are used from Pre-school to Year 6.
Developing Experts is delivered through a sequenced curriculum designed to enable the learner to experience a coherent curriculum delivered through a logical progression. Attention has been paid to the order in which knowledge has been delivered, built on and revisited. The sequence of science units provide a vehicle for teachers to unify what may otherwise seem like disconnected fragments of knowledge. The embedded unit quizzes have been designed to optimise learning outcomes for pupils to enable concepts to have a greater chance of becoming part of the learner’s long-term memory.
We use key questions in each of our lessons, which has been adapted from the NC breakdown of objectives. Science should be taught for 45 mins per week in KS1 and for 1 hour in KS2. Knowledge organisers are referred to in each lesson and includes the knowledge that the children will need to access the unit of work that they will be learning about.
Each lesson has a specific outline that includes set expectations that must be included:-
Impact and Assessment
A low stakes quiz will be used before and after each unit with a selection of up to 10 questions based on the unit. Knowledge organisers are also produced for each unit, printed and placed in the back of the science book and sent home to parent.
The intended impact of the Science curriculum is that the majority of children in each year group are at expected or greater depth. In addition, it is the intended impact that the children;