Intent- Why do we teach Science?
At North Denes Primary School, we encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at school and beyond. The Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living. 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 Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the 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.
Implementation- What do we teach? What does this look like?
At North Denes Primary School, Science topics are taught within each year group in accordance with the National Curriculum.
Topics are blocked to allow children to focus on developing their knowledge and skills, studying each topic in depth. Every year group will build upon the learning from prior year groups therefore developing depth of understanding and progression of skills. Teachers promote enjoyment and foster interest in the scientific disciplines; Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Children explore, question, predict, plan, carry out investigations and observations as well as conclude their findings. Children present their findings and learning using science specific language, observations and diagrams. In order to support children in their ability to ‘know more and remember more’ there are regular opportunities to review the learning taken place in previous topics as well as previous lessons. At the start of each topic children will have the opportunity to share what they already know about a current topic. Children are given a knowledge organiser at the start of each topic which details some key Science Curriculum Statement information, dates and vocabulary. This is not used as part of an assessment, but to support children with their acquisition of knowledge and is used as a reference document. Effective CPD and standardisation opportunities are available to staff to ensure high levels of confidence and knowledge are maintained. To support teaching, teachers access a range of resources and planning from STEM, Explorify and the school long/medium term planning. Teachers use effective assessment for learning in each lesson to ensure misconceptions are highlighted and addressed. Effective modelling by teachers ensures that children are able to achieve their learning intention, with misconceptions addressed within it. Through using a range of assessment tools, differentiation is facilitated by teachers, to ensure that each pupil can access the Science curriculum. Cross-curricular links are planned for, with other subjects such as Maths, English and Computing.
What will this look like?
The impact of this curriculum design will lead to outstanding progress over time, across key stages, relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave North Denes reaching at least age related expectations for Science. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts our Science curriculum will lead pupils to be enthusiastic Science learners and understand that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. We want to empower our children so they understand they have the capability to change the world. This is evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their work and their overwhelming enjoyment for science.
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North Denes Primary School
Jellicoe Road
Great Yarmouth
NR30 4HF
office@northdenes.norfolk.sch.uk
Tel . 01493 842063