Science Intent, Implementation and Impact

Intent

To deliver a curriculum which:

• Develops children’s Belief in themselves as scientists, by instilling excitement, curiosity and the confidence to question and explore the world around them.
• Gives children opportunities and experiences to develop their critical thinking and understanding of the physical world that they Belong to. Have opportunity to understand how key scientists have changed our lives and how science is vital to the world’s future.
• Ensures children can develop scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding and the skills needed to Become successful and passionate scientists.
• Encourages a love of science by delivering an engaging and inspiring curriculum that sparks curiosity and fosters a sense of wonder. Through hands-on experiences, varied topics, and opportunities for exploration, we aim to ignite a passion for science in all our students, motivating them to pursue further learning and discovery.
• With careful design and planning, we build in many opportunities for repetition, practise and application of essential knowledge and skills ensuring children are able to gradually develop a deeper understanding in their learning and not just merely covering content.

Implementation

Teaching and Learning, Content and Sequence

• Science is taught on a weekly basis.  Science units have been carefully sequenced and have been created in line with our school’s progression documents. Learning objectives within each unit of science are taken directly from the National Curriculum.
• The sequence of knowledge is mapped out across EYFS-Y6 and ‘working scientifically’ skills are also embedded within each unit.  The ‘Working Scientifically Progression Document’, maps out and ensures progression of science skills across EYFS-Y6.
• Our science curriculum is designed to foster an understanding of British Values by encouraging respect, tolerance, and critical thinking. Through the exploration of scientific concepts, students are given the opportunity to engage with themes such as democracy, individual liberty, and mutual respect, helping them to recognise the relevance of these values in both scientific inquiry and everyday life.
• Opportunities like Science Week encourage children to explore and engage with science, fostering their curiosity. These events highlight the significance and impact of science in everyday life, aiming to inspire and engage students while raising their aspirations.
• Through links with the Inova Trust, staff can draw upon specialist knowledge and resources to enhance learning for all.
• Each science unit includes a key scientist whose work exemplifies the evolution of scientific knowledge over time. Learning about these influential figures not only deepens children's understanding but also sparks their enjoyment of science, allowing them to see the relevance of scientific discoveries to their own lives and the world around them.
• Children's understanding of core scientific concepts is progressively developed throughout their school journey, as learning is revisited and built upon, ensuring a deeper and more comprehensive understanding over time.
• Lessons are carefully planned and sequenced to provide all children with opportunities to apply their knowledge in practical ways, supporting the achievement of pupils from all backgrounds. This approach helps children not only acquire essential scientific knowledge but also develop the practical skills needed to strengthen their critical thinking abilities, motivating them to explore science more deeply.
• Science teaching empowers all pupils, regardless of their background, to engage fully with science learning, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to access opportunities later in life.

Leadership, Assessment and Feedback

• The Science leader has a clear role and the responsibility of overseeing the progress of all children in all areas of Science.
• Feedback is given on children’s learning in line with our feedback policy. Formative assessment within every lesson helps teachers to identify the children who need more support to achieve the intended learning outcome and who are ready for greater stretch and challenge through planned questioning or additional activities.
• Data input for science is carried out at three points throughout the year to evaluate what children have learned. These assessments provide valuable insights into student progress in science, helping teachers and leaders identify areas where further support is needed to foster development.

Impact

• The school uses a curriculum that ensures progression in both knowledge and scientific skills across year groups. As a result, children develop a strong understanding, retain key concepts, and are able to apply their learning effectively.
• We check the impact of our science curriculum through assessment at the end of each journey. We have defined end points in both knowledge and skills (what children will know, and the skills they need to demonstrate this understanding) for each unit of science.
• Children enjoy science and are curious about science. This is shown through their enthusiasm and engagement in science lessons.
• Children understand the relevance and importance of their learning.
• Progression documents and schemes of work has been shared with staff and are being used by everyone.
• Work is celebrated in whole school displays and through opportunities for children to present their learning.