Science

National Curriculum Aims for Science

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Science at Bishop's Waltham Junior School

Intent

• All children will have an increased knowledge and understanding of our world, whilst developing specific skills associated with enquiry and thinking scientifically
• Children will be encouraged to form a curiosity about the world, respect for living organisms and the physical environment
• They will be provided with opportunities for evaluation of evidence to help them understand how and why things work
• Children have the opportunity to perform practical investigations so that they become enquiry based learners. They have the opportunity to plan, make observations, use simple equipment, take measures, identify and classify as well as being encouraged to question their findings.
• Scientific vocabulary is taught and developed throughout the key stage.

Implementation

• The subject leader plans the curriculum units, ensuring that the curriculum stays relevant and up to date through contact with other professionals. The curriculum ensures that a variety of skills and topics are covered
• Science is taught across an afternoon for a block of sessions. Some year groups choose to block their science termly over the course of one/two days.  It is taught in explicit units in line with the national curriculum
• Teachers build on what has previously been taught with some topics being repeated Year 3-Year 5 and Year 4-Year 6.
• Working scientifically is integrated into the planning
• Where possible links are made to other subjects to enrich learning
• Pre-teaching/ over learning of scientific vocabulary is used to ensure understanding of key vocabulary
• Throughout the school year, science events happen for example competitions, visitors and STEM events

Impact

Success will be monitored through:

• Summative assessment at the end of each unit, which identifies children working below or above expected levels in the key objectives.
• Teacher’s feedback shows that CPD has allowed them to become more secure in their subject knowledge and delivery of the curriculum. The positive impact is evident in work, lessons, environment and pupil voice surveys.
• Pupils work shows progress in knowledge, vocabulary and skills throughout the school
• Lessons show that pupils can ask relevant questions and reflect upon their findings
• Pupil voice surveys show that pupils are enthusiastic about their learning
• By the end of Key Stage 2, children are equipped with key knowledge and skills

Our Curriculum Overview      

Year Three

Year Four

Year Five

Year Six