Intent:

Science Curriculum S-Plan (KS1 to Year 6).pdf

Oldfield Park Junior School and Oldfield Park Infant School Shared Science Policy

Vision

At Oldfield Park Schools, we believe that every child is a scientist.

Children are naturally curious about the world around them and seek to understand how things work. Through high-quality science teaching, we nurture this curiosity and develop pupils’ understanding of the world through observation, investigation and evidence-based reasoning.

We inspire children to think of themselves as scientists: asking questions, exploring ideas, making predictions and drawing conclusions from evidence. We believe that science helps children to make sense of the world around them and equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to become informed, responsible citizens.

Science is an essential part of our curriculum. It develops children's understanding of the natural and physical world whilst fostering curiosity, resilience, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning.

Intent

At Oldfield Park Schools, our science curriculum is designed to provide all pupils with a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and enquiry skills which build progressively from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 6.

Through the teaching of science, we aim for pupils to:

• Develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts within biology, chemistry and physics.
• Build a rich scientific vocabulary and use it accurately when explaining their ideas.
• Develop disciplinary knowledge by learning how scientists work through observation, investigation, testing and evaluation.
• Ask questions, think critically and develop explanations using evidence.
• Understand the relevance of science in everyday life and the wider world.
• Develop an awareness of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
• Recognise the contribution of scientists from a range of backgrounds and disciplines.
• Develop confidence, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about science.

Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and the Palladian Academy Science Spine, ensuring progression in both scientific knowledge and Working Scientifically skills.

We believe that scientific understanding develops over time. Therefore, pupils are given regular opportunities to revisit prior learning, make connections between concepts and address misconceptions in order to strengthen long-term retention of knowledge.

Implementation:

Science is taught throughout the school through carefully planned units which provide full coverage of the National Curriculum whilst ensuring progression in knowledge, skills and vocabulary.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, science learning is delivered through Understanding the World and through exploration, observation and discussion of the natural environment.

From Year 1 to Year 6, pupils develop both substantive and disciplinary knowledge.

Substantive Knowledge

Pupils learn the scientific knowledge and concepts specified within the National Curriculum, including:

• Plants
• Animals including humans
• Living things and their habitats
• Materials
• Seasonal changes
• Rocks
• Light
• Sound
• Forces and magnets
• States of matter
• Electricity
• Earth and space
• Evolution and inheritance

Disciplinary Knowledge

Pupils learn how scientists work by developing their Working Scientifically skills through meaningful scientific contexts.

These include:

• Asking questions
• Making observations
• Identifying patterns
• Classifying and grouping
• Carrying out comparative and fair tests
• Using secondary sources
• Gathering, recording and interpreting data
• Drawing conclusions based on evidence
• Evaluating investigations

Working Scientifically is embedded within each unit of learning and is taught through scientific content rather than as a separate strand.

Impact:

The impact of our science curriculum is demonstrated through pupils who:

• Retain and apply key scientific knowledge.
• Use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently.
• Ask thoughtful questions about the world around them.
• Plan and carry out investigations with increasing independence.
• Interpret evidence and draw reasoned conclusions.
• Demonstrate curiosity, resilience and enthusiasm for learning.
• Understand the relevance of science in everyday life.
• Appreciate the role of science in addressing challenges facing society and the environment.
• Are well prepared for the next stage of their scientific education.

By the time pupils leave Oldfield Park Schools, they will have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to continue their scientific journey as curious, informed and responsible learners.