Science

Aims 

At Parkwood Primary school, we aim to foster curiosity and critical thinking skills in young learners, igniting a passion for exploring the natural world and recognising science within daily life. The primary science curriculum aims to cultivate an appreciation for the connections between living things, physical phenomena, and Earth processes. We aim to create meaningful, memorable learning experiences to help our pupils build on prior learning and embed new concepts through providing engaging and hands-on experiences. At Parkwood our children are encouraged to question the world around them and are taught how to develop their scientific knowledge, vocabulary, skills, and attitudes which enable them to observe, question, and investigate scientific inquiries. Ultimately, primary science education seeks to empower students with the confidence and skills to understand, appreciate, and participate in the wonders of the scientific world around them. We endeavour to ensure that the science curriculum that we provide will give the children the confidence and motivation to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experience.  

Intent 

Our pupils will learn: 

• Substantive knowledge: chemistry, physics and biology 

KS1 – We cover scientific aspects relating to plants, animals (including humans) every- day materials, seasonal changes and living things (including their habitats) as prescribed within the National Curriculum’s Science programme of study for Key stage 1. 

KS2 – We cover scientific aspects relating to plants, animals (including humans), rocks, light, forces, magnets, living things (including their habitats), states of matter, sound, electricity, materials (including properties and change),earth (including the solar system) and evolution (including inheritance) as prescribed withing the National Curriculum’s Science programme of study for key Stage 2.  

• Disciplinary knowledge using the five enquiry types: pattern seeking, fair or comparative tests, research, identifying, grouping and classifying, observing over time.  

By the time pupils leave KS2, we expect them to be able to: develop knowledge and understanding of processes associated with biology, chemistry and physics, be able to retain and recall scientific vocabulary and know current uses of science, considering future implications. At Parkwood, it is our expectations that pupils are able to apply knowledge to understand the world around them by using the disciplinary knowledge mentioned above.  

Implementation 

At Parkwood, we have decided to implement the Rising Stars science scheme, Switched on Science as it provides full coverage of the science curriculum from Early Years up to Year 6. We are assured that we are delivering a complete and coherent curriculum which helps pupils to progress their knowledge, understanding and skills. Switched on Science has been written specifically for the new National Curriculum and gives you all the tools you need to run exciting science lessons with confidence. EYFS   is fully catered for in this scheme of work ensuring essential skills are taught from the ‘Development Matters’ framework. Switched on Science includes over 100s of hands-on experiments that will bring science to life! Lessons, investigations, activities and resources provided are adapted by class teachers to meet the pupils’ needs, interests and enthusiasm. This scheme equips our pupils with the knowledge and skills that prepares them for high school and beyond.