Science

Intent

At Elsecar Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires. Therefore, we have designed our science curriculum with the intent that our children will develop an in-depth understanding of the world around them and an understanding of how major scientific ideas have played a vital role in society, to prepare them for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

We will deliver a science curriculum that:

• • has working scientifically at its core, so that children have opportunities to develop practical enquiry skills to engage with the world in a scientific way and make sense of what they are learning about living things, the environment, materials and physical processes
  • provides a range of hands-on experiences to promote engagement and presents opportunities for the discussion and questioning which develop understanding
  • develops key scientific skills, including observing, predicting, problem solving, decision making, communication and critical thinking
  • provides opportunities for different types of enquiry, such as pattern seeking, observing over time, classifying and grouping, comparative and fair testing and research using secondary sources
  • builds upon prior knowledge and a progression of skills to ensure all children have a secure understanding and knowledge of key science concepts
  • develops creativity and curiosity, so that children ask questions about the world around them and have the desire to explore and investigate

Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as educational visits linked to the science curriculum, as well as visits to RSPB Wetlands and Elsecar Heritage Centre and Elsecar Park.

Implementation 

The National Curriculum 2014 and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework 2017 provide the basis for our science curriculum, which is then tailored to meet the learning and developmental needs of the children in our school.

Teachers will plan science using the newly developed progression document which will allow children to build upon prior knowledge and understanding. Knowledge organisers have been developed and introduced for teachers and pupils to use for each topic for reference and assessment purposes. This will map out the knowledge, vocabulary and skills needed to master the concepts.

Impact

Children will…

• • become resilient, independent and curious scientists who ask questions and find things out for themselves
  • be able to communicate their ideas and findings using appropriate scientific terminology
  • have an awareness of the full range of scientific careers and pathways available to them and will be keen to pursue STEM subjects at secondary school 

Scientific Enquiry

There are 5 types of scientific enquiry highlighted in the national curriculum for science and opportunities to plan and carry out each of the enquiry types have been written into our sequence of learning

When children plan and carry out scientific enquiries, they also learn how to develop their working scientifically skills. These are:

• Asking questions
• Making predictions
• Setting up tests
• Observing and measuring
• Recording data
• Interpreting and communicating results
• Evaluating
• Our science curriculum provides opportunities for children to revisit their prior learning. Each lesson starts with a knowledge check activity, and we also use quizzes, games, and other practical activities to assess children’s knowledge and understanding. These activities provide explicit opportunities for children to make direct links between prior and current learning. 

A sample of our Science sequencing:

Useful Links & Documents

Development Matters – Non-statutory curriculum guidance for the early years foundation stage (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Science programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2 (publishing.service.gov.uk)

KNOWLEDGE ORGANISERS