Science

Intent

At The Willows Catholic Primary School, we aim to develop knowledgeable, curious and thoughtful young scientists who understand the world around them and are equipped to ask questions about it.

Our Science curriculum is designed so that pupils build secure scientific knowledge and understanding from Reception to Year 6. Learning is carefully sequenced so that new knowledge builds on what pupils have learned before, allowing them to make connections between different areas of science and develop increasingly sophisticated understanding.

We want pupils to know more and remember more about the key areas of biology, chemistry and physics. Alongside this substantive knowledge, pupils progressively develop the knowledge and skills needed to work scientifically. They learn how to ask scientific questions, make predictions, observe closely, take measurements, carry out different types of enquiry, identify patterns, record and interpret results and use evidence to reach conclusions.

Precise scientific vocabulary is taught explicitly so that pupils can explain their thinking clearly and communicate scientifically with increasing confidence.

Practical science is an important part of our curriculum. Pupils have regular opportunities to investigate, observe and explore first hand. These experiences are used purposefully to deepen scientific understanding rather than as activities in isolation.

As a Catholic school, Science also encourages pupils to develop a sense of wonder about the natural world and to recognise their responsibility to care for creation.

Implementation

Science is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum which meets the requirements of the National Curriculum and builds progressively from the Early Years through to Year 6.

Each unit identifies the important knowledge and scientific vocabulary that pupils need to learn. Teachers make links to prior learning so that pupils can retrieve, revisit and build upon what they already know. Key concepts are returned to across different year groups, helping pupils develop a deeper and more connected understanding of science.

Teachers use clear explanations, modelling, questioning, discussion and practical experiences to introduce and develop new scientific ideas. Pupils are given opportunities to apply their knowledge through investigations and different types of scientific enquiry.

Working Scientifically is taught through the substantive Science curriculum rather than as a separate set of activities. As pupils move through school, they become increasingly independent in deciding how questions might be investigated, selecting appropriate equipment, recording results and using evidence to explain what they have found.

Scientific vocabulary is explicitly introduced, modelled and revisited. Teachers expect pupils to use increasingly precise scientific language when speaking and writing about their learning.

Assessment is closely linked to the important knowledge and conceptual understanding identified within each unit. Teachers use questioning, discussion, practical work and pupils' written work to identify what pupils understand and any misconceptions that need addressing. Key assessment points help teachers determine whether pupils have secured the knowledge needed for future learning.

Teaching is adapted where necessary so that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access the important scientific knowledge within the curriculum while maintaining ambitious expectations.

Impact

The impact of our Science curriculum is seen in what pupils know, understand and can apply.

As pupils progress through school, they should develop an increasingly secure body of scientific knowledge. They should be able to recall important prior learning, make connections between scientific concepts and use what they know to explain processes, phenomena and the world around them.

Pupils should also become increasingly confident scientists. They should be able to ask relevant questions, select appropriate approaches to enquiry, make careful observations and measurements, interpret evidence and draw conclusions using appropriate scientific vocabulary.

We do not judge the success of the Science curriculum through written work alone. Teachers and subject leaders consider what pupils can explain, demonstrate and apply through practical work as well as what is recorded in books and assessment information.

The Science subject leader monitors the quality and impact of the curriculum through lesson visits, pupil discussions, scrutiny of pupils' work and assessment information. This helps us identify strengths, address gaps and misconceptions and continually refine the curriculum.

By the end of Year 6, our aim is for pupils to leave The Willows with secure foundations in scientific knowledge and enquiry, confidence in discussing scientific ideas and the curiosity needed to continue developing their understanding of science at secondary school and beyond.

• Science Curriculum Map download_for_offline
  download_for_offlineScience Curriculum Map