Science
IntenT
In Science, we intend to inspire pupils with a curiosity and fascination about the world around them. Using disciplinary knowledge to support and reinforce the learning of substantive knowledge. In order to help them express their new knowledge and skills in Science, we will develop their scientific language so that children can express themselves with clarity. Furthermore, children will be able to discuss their methods, raise questions and discuss the efficacy of their experiments - suggesting alternative methods.
The curriculum will present an appropriate challenge for the children at their age and motivate them to become effective communicators of scientific ideas, facts and data whilst enhancing their practical skills of scientific enquiry.
To develop a set of attitudes which promote a scientific way of thinking and curiosity about the world around them (and further).
To develop confidence to discuss and critique scientific theories, concepts and questions using the correct vocabulary.
To develop the confidence to keep an open mind when approaching science and use evidence to support their conclusions.
To develop a keen interest in the history of science and how it has developed over time.
To develop a confidence in their own ability to have a STEM related career.
To identify the role that other subjects have in Science and the role that Science has in other subjects.
To embed basic concepts and techniques as a foundation to be developed through further learning.
To develop an enjoyment and love of Science and recognise the role it plays outside of school.
Implementation
Our vibrant and rich curriculum is designed so that disciplinary knowledge supports the learning of substantive knowledge. It ensures that progression and balance is maintained through careful sequencing and recall to previous learning, the overview is broken into a long term plan (and progression documents in disciplinary knowledge, substantive knowledge and vocabulary) to ensure clear sequencing, a medium term plan to ensure national curriculum coverage and short term plans. The short term plans include:
Prior and future learning linked to the topic for the children to make links to what they already know and what more they will learn on the topic
Substantive knowledge in the form of a learning question and core concepts that each child should know
Disciplinary knowledge to ensure that children develop their enquiry skills
Key vocabulary for the children to use the correct terminology when expressing what they have learnt
The use of booklets to supplement the learning, in KS2, encourages the children to read about the subject, learning its history and where concepts originated. Through the use of frequent experiments, children are able to develop their disciplinary knowledge - building on the skills already developed.
Furthermore, the children are taught about a wide variety of scientists from different ethnicities, genders, religions etc, to develop their understanding of a diverse world.
Teachers adapt topics, knowledge retrieval, knowledge organisers and lessons to address the specific individual needs of pupils so that all pupils are able to reach their full potential regardless of their starting point.
Curriculum Enrichment
We provide a wide range of enrichment activities for Science throughout the year, they include (but are not limited to) the following:
Natural History Museum (Y6)
Royal Observatory Greenwich (Y5)
Music Conductive Workshop (Y4)
Beekeeper Workshop (Y3)
Epping Forest (Y2)
Rye Meads (Y1)
Old Macdonald's Farm (Reception)
