Science

‘It is important to view knowledge as sort of a semantic tree – make sure you understand the fundamental principles, i.e. the trunk and big branches, before you get into the leaves/details or there is nothing for them to hang on to.’- Elon Musk

Purpose of study 

A high-quality Science education at our school will give pupils a good understanding of the world by providing them with the opportunities to develop their knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics. It aims to help children build on and gain knowledge, methods and processes in the uses of Science. It will give children a wider understanding of how the use of Science has helped in informing us about the past and current changes happening in the world. Science will develop both a love of learning and sense of curiosity within children through helping them gain the skills they need to understand how Science can inform what is happening and why so that they can predict causes and affect and know how to analyse these. Through the teaching of Science children will develop independence in testing and analysing their ideas and scientific enquiries both practically and theoretically. 

Aims

The school's Science curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• Develop a scientific knowledge and understanding of different concepts through the areas of biology, chemistry and physics. 
• Develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through their own investigations and apply this understanding through discussions that form explanations to draw conclusions using the evidence they have found. 
• Develop an understanding of fair testing through working scientifically in controlled investigations in order to build a sufficient understanding of Science which will enable them to answer questions about the ever-changing world around them.
• Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses, implications and developments within Science today and for the future.
• Develop a confidence in using a wider vocabulary to give their own scientific explanations about what they have discovered during their investigations and enquiries.

Organisation

• Science is taught in topics throughout each half term that link to our whole school theme. Teachers have the freedom to place their 1 hours’ worth of Science lessons anywhere in their timetable over the school week.
• Teachers are expected to give their children the opportunity to undertake at least 1 practical investigation or experience throughout each half term in order to ensure that they have many first hand experiences needed to develop a secure understanding of Science. 
• Science units are linked to what the whole school topic is at the time and organised in a way that shows progression throughout the year groups. This includes links to the Book Led Curriculum for the whole school.

Science Curriculum Overview