Intent

In order to achieve a high standard of Science education, at Baston CE Primary School, we have designed a spiral curriculum matching the National Curriculum which encompasses substantive knowledge strands (chronological awareness, topic knowledge and substantive concepts) a disciplinary strands (historical enquiry and disciplinary concepts). We use the schemes of work provided by Kapow to support the teaching of this subject alongside our Teaching and Learning Policy. 

We aim to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena and an understanding of how the scientific community contributes to our past, present and future.

We want pupils to develop a complex knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, but also adopt a
broad range of skills in working scientifically and beyond. The scheme of work is inclusive and meaningful, so all pupils may experience the joy of science and make associations between their science learning and their lives outside the classroom. Studying science allows children to appreciate how new knowledge and skills can be fundamental to solving arising global challenges.

Our curriculum aims to encourage critical thinking and empower pupils to question the hows and whys of the world around them. Our curriculum encourages:

• A strong focus on developing knowledge alongside scientific skills across Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• Curiosity and excitement about familiar and unknown observations.
• Challenging misconceptions and demystifying truths.
• Continuous progression by building on practical and investigative skills across all units.
• Critical thinking, with the ability to ask perceptive questions and explain and
• analyse evidence.
• Development of scientific literacy using wide-ranging, specialist vocabulary.

Implementation

We have identified the following key strands: Scientific knowledge and understanding (of Biology, Chemistry & Physics); Working scientifically; and Science in action. The spiral curriculum, with essential knowledge and skills revisited with increasing complexity, allows pupils to revise and build on their previous learning. A range of engaging recall activities promote frequent pupil reflection on prior learning, ensuring new learning is approached with confidence. The Science in action strand is interwoven throughout the scheme to make the concepts and skills relevant to pupils and inspiring for future application. Cross-curricular links are included throughout each unit, allowing children to make connections and apply their Science skills to other areas of learning.

Pupils explore knowledge and conceptual understanding through engaging activities and an introduction to relevant specialist vocabulary. ‘Working scientifically’ skills are integrated with conceptual understanding rather than taught discretely. This provides frequent, but relevant, opportunities for developing scientific enquiry skills. Our science curriculum utilises practical activities that aid in the progression of individual skills and also provides opportunities
for full investigations.

Lessons incorporate various teaching strategies from independent tasks to paired and group work, including practical, creative, computer-based and collaborative tasks. This variety means that lessons are engaging and appeal to those with different learning styles. 

Impact

The impact of our science curriculum can be constantly monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities. Each lesson includes formative opportunities for teachers to assess pupils against the learning focus and any relevant scientific enquiry skills. Pupils' science learning is also measured against a set of level descriptors to track progress across the school. SLT monitor the subject further through book scrutiny, pupil voice and learning walks.