Implementation
How each unit works
Each science unit plans to meet the criteria of the National Curriculum, extending children’s scientific and conceptual understanding, as well as their awareness of the nature, processes and methods of science. There is an equal focus on teaching the children how to work scientifically and ensuring that they acquire appropriate scientific knowledge, with emphasis being put upon five core scientific skills: planning, observing, recording, concluding and evaluating.
Each year group studies between five and six science units per year (six in KS2 consistently), with one unit being taught each half term. These units are rooted in the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics, and are rotated so that in a year, every cohort will have spent time learning about each core discipline. Each year group also spends some time looking at individual scientists or inventors from around the world who have had a major impact on our lives in some way. Our curriculum is organised logically, so that units of learning that focus on plants, growing or light, for example, are taught in summer term, as this is when the plants and flowers are in their growing period, and the light is stronger and more consistent for observing shadows.
Our varied science curriculum is presented systematically to ensure that children’s knowledge and understanding progresses steadily throughout their time with us. Core units of learning are revisited in multiple year groups, for example ‘Living Things and Their Habitats’, which is taught in Years 2, 4, 5 and 6. This is to ensure that the children are building upon key foundational knowledge and skills as they move through the school. By Year 6, we expect pupils to be showing a deeper understanding of a wide range of scientific ideas, drawing upon and utilising knowledge and skills taught all the way through the school.
Scientific knowledge
- Technical vocabulary
- Specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- Nature, processes and methods
- The world around them
- The uses and implications of science, today and for the future
Scientific concepts
- Pattern seeking
- Observation over time
- Grouping and classifying
- Using equipment and fair testing
- Research
- Seeking answers to problems through questioning
- Seeking answers to questions through collecting and presenting data
Scientific skills
- Questioning
- Practical enquiries
- Prediction
- Observation
- Measurement
- Collecting data and results
- Recording findings
- Conclusion and explanation
- Making comparisons
- Using evidence to support or refute ideas