Science

Intent

The curriculum is designed to provide all children with the scientific knowledge and skills that they need for secondary school and for life.

The nature and processes of science are firmly embedded within the National Curriculum content of biology, chemistry and physics topics. The end points in each of these topics are broken down into manageable chunks of knowledge and skills which build upon prior learning. 

Our curriculum enables all children including those with SEND and vulnerable children to work scientifically so that they may apply their knowledge whilst making observations, predicting, using equipment, conducting experiments and explaining concepts confidently. 

At Woodlands science is celebrated in a variety of ways. In order to stimulate children’s interests and curiosity we have named several classes after famous scientists and have provided many opportunities for children to experience science in action.

Implementation

At Woodlands, through creating a positive, can-do attitude to science within classrooms,  children understand that they are capable of achieving high standards. Our approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following:

Teachers use the resource Science Bug to support their teaching. These plans cover the NC and embed working scientifically into topics, enabling children to make progress. Teachers are confident to alter planning as they see fit, maintaining the focus of the NC objective.

We build upon the learning and skill development of previous years. Teachers complete a monitoring document which lists the strengths, areas to develop and actions to be taken, for each topic. This enables misconceptions to be addressed within the year group. This document is updated by the class teacher in order for the science lead to have an overview; discussions around next steps are planned with phases. 

Quizzes at regular intervals throughout the year ensure that: past topics are revisited and knowledge is embedded; misconceptions are addressed within the topic; and current topic knowledge is repeated.  

The profile of science is raised by inviting science visitors to school and allowing children to come off time-table in order to take part in specific science events and workshops. The Big Science Event held in the summer term provides further opportunities for the application of knowledge and skills: this event often includes parents and the wider community. These events are purposeful and link with the knowledge being taught in class.

Impact

At Woodlands, all children will make good progress in science. Knowledge and understanding will be secured and embedded so that children are able to achieve a potential career in science. We are serious about widening our pupils’ knowledge and cultural capital and this permeates everything we do: we strive to give our children experience of science beyond the curriculum. As a result, our children are resilient and ambitious. Through our curriculum and enhancements, children have first hand experience of how science has changed our lives, and are encouraged to be responsible for being the change that is vital for society’s future. Our science curriculum will foster a healthy curiosity, and promotes respect for the living and non-living aspects of our universe.