Curriculum Statement - Science

The National Curriculum

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
• develop 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
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Intent

At Emscote, we aim to:

• Provide foundations for the children to begin to understand the world around them.
• Ensure children have a secure understanding of a topic before moving on to ensure genuine progression.
• Ensure children use technical scientific vocabulary precisely and accurately to explain concepts and justify their reasoning when rationalising a concept.
• Teach all pupils essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.
• Encourage pupils to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
• Ensure pupils are aware of current scientific advances and news to allow them to see the importance of science in our modern world.
• Ensure children connect and link their learning to other areas of the curriculum.
• Develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.
• Enrich children's learning experiences and increase their science capital.

Implementation

• Science is taught in Early Years through the 'Understanding the World' strand of the Early Years statutory framework. They are given opportunity to explore scientific concepts through structured play activities.
• Science is taught fortnightly 1.5 hours in KS1, although this is normally taught in blocks.
• Objectives are planned to ensure a progression of skills across the school using the National Curriculum for guidance.
• Working scientifically is embedded within a topic to support the children's understanding of conceptual knowledge.
• A range of scientific enquiries are planned into the curriculum including: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources.
• Staff are supported with CPD from subject leader.
• Teachers use children's interests to help plan lessons children will find engaging as they have a genuine interest in it.
• Children are taught correct scientific vocabulary.
• Children are supported when orally explaining scientific knowledge in order to ensure they are articulating scientific ideas using appropriate vocabulary and in order for teachers to address misconceptions.
• Where appropriate, science is linked to other subjects. For example, when presenting data, there may be a link to maths.
• Planetarium workshops help to enrich the children's science capital.
• Science week enthuses the children and allows them to experience a wide range of activities.
• Children are assessed continuously throughout a topic by teacher assessment. At the end of a topic to gauge their understanding, children take a short assessment. This is inputted into O track.

Impact

When children leave Emscote, they will:

• Understand the importance of science in our society.
• Be continually excited and curious about the world around them.
• Use their experiences to explore ideas and raise questions.
• Have a secure understanding of the key scientific concepts outlined in the National Curriculum.
• Be equipped with the skills to select, plan and carry out an enquiry.
• Have an improved science capital.
• Be ready to continue to learn about science at KS2.