Science

Science is inspiring curiosity

The science curriculum intent is to develop and inspire natural curiosity of a variety of phenomena and to develop independent investigators of the world around us.

The science curriculum is based around practical learning to develop an understanding of relevant, inspiring and engaging scientific topics. We seek to motivate and enthuse pupils alongside encouraging their investigative skills, such as, asking and answering questions.

In order to make learning relevant, we use the local environment and local areas regularly as part of our activities.

Our curriculum is developed to follow a 2-year topic cycle. It aims to provide pupils with the foundations of skills and secure and embedded knowledge to build on. Science runs on a cycle that can be adapted to meet specific and relevant pupil needs and challenging the children’s interests and understanding.

The bespoke curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure motivation and relevance to the pupils. The 2-year cycle is designed to provide opportunities for repetition in order to reinforce prior knowledge and to embed and extend learning.

Each science lesson develops scientific enquiry skills and develops knowledge based objectives around a particular topic. These scientific enquiry skills are transferable to each scientific topic area and across the many areas of the curriculum. In the early years, pupils study science as part of their ‘Understanding the World’ learning. This allows for early engagement of science through exploration and investigation of the world around them.

Each pathway in school delivers science in a manner that is most relevant to their pupils e.g. children on the pre-formal pathway will undertake their science learning across the curriculum in ways that are meaningful. In all pathways, the science curriculum aims to broaden and expand knowledge to challenge and extend their understanding.

Science is continuously assessed through the subject lessons and in other relevant areas of the curriculum. Science is assessed in a variety of ways such as working with/observing children, evidence with in books and on displays. Teacher assessment results are recorded on school systems and progress is monitored by the science coordinator and shared with senior leadership.

In science, you will see concepts taught in innovative, practical and engaging lessons and activities in a range of environments.

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