Science Leader: Mrs Johnston

What do we want our children to achieve from our Science curriculum?

We want our children to leave us as curious, confident and capable scientists who understand the world around them and can apply scientific thinking to their everyday lives. We aim to ensure that children develop secure scientific knowledge and use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently as they progress through the curriculum. Through practical, hands-on experiences, children will learn to make careful observations, take accurate measurements and collect data, as well as plan and carry out fair tests to answer scientific questions. We want our children to develop respect for the natural environment and to understand the vital role science plays in sustainability and in solving global issue, preparing them to be responsible and informed citizens of the future.

How do we ensure that this happens?

The foundations of our Science curriculum are built in EYFS, where children are encouraged to develop their ‘understanding the world’ knowledge through structured activities and build on their play through high quality interactions. Children are supported to explore: weather and seasons, growing, materials, electricity and space. Our young children often lead their own learning journey in Science, yet our staff scaffold learning with core scientific vocabulary and a nurturing approach.

In Key stage 1 and 2, our science curriculum is taught through four modes of learning: Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Experiment extravaganza. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught, revisited and displayed. Lessons regularly include practical investigations and are contextualised to ensure that links are made with the real world. In our fourth mode, additional investigations allow children to deepen their learning, whilst strengthening their ability to work scientifically.