Science
Science Curriculum Statement, Knowledge and Skills Progression
Subject Vision: “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” Carl Sagan, astronomer.
Our vision for Science is to enable children to confidently explore and discover the world around them, so that they have a deeper understanding of the world we live in. We realise that young children are naturally curious and passionate about learning; we provide a stimulating science curriculum that nurtures children’s natural curiosity and their on-going intellectual development. Through a hands-on, enquiry-based curriculum, children will experience the joy of having wonderful ideas, exploration and investigation – that is, the joy of finding out. Our aim is that these stimulating and challenging experiences help children secure and extend their scientific knowledge and vocabulary. We believe that these opportunities will ensure that our children are confident, life-long learners who will explore the world around them.
Statement of Intent:
We intend that children will:
∙ 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
∙ be equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future
We encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school and beyond. The science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for the natural world. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the skills of working scientifically are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings. Through Whimple’s 6 Rs and the skills builder whole school programme, we develop and celebrate general skills of questioning, observation, creativity and resilience that are embedded in our approach to children’s engagement with their science learning. The 2002 Education Act requires schools to provide a ‘balanced and broadly based curriculum’ which promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of children at our schools and prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. We intend to deliver the 2014 National Curriculum in a purposeful, engaging and creative way by providing a broad curriculum that ensures that there are enough subjects on the timetable and a balanced curriculum that ensures that each subject is given sufficient space on the timetable to deliver its distinct contribution. The school curriculum is broader than the National Curriculum and our intention is to give children a richer and deeper experience that is not limited by the National Curriculum.