Science Curriculum Statement
Intent
The aims of teaching science in our school are in line with Development Matters for EYFS and the National Curriculum in KS1.
By the end of Reception we aim to ensure that all pupils:
In KS1 we aim to ensure that all pupils:
At Silvertrees Academy, science is planned to meet the needs of all of our children, giving them the opportunities to
‘Be the Best Scientist they can be”.
Implementation
Our subject content in science is taught in line with the National Curriculum programme of study. In KS1 Science is taught weekly and in EYFS it is taught through the specific area of learning understanding of world and through play. Science is taught in line with the year group’s topic, but where this isn’t possible it is taught through standalone lessons. To ensure high quality science lessons are taught at Silvertrees, we have developed our own progression grids so that children are continually building on prior knowledge but also learning new skills and vocabulary throughout their science journey. The progression grids follow a Head, Hand, Heart format:
Head – depth of scientific knowledge in each area
Hand – the skills to apply the scientific knowledge and the skills of working scientifically
Heart – emotional intelligence to understand the importance that science has in our world. To appreciate and understand how to look after the world in which we live.
At the beginning of each topic, children will be asked what they already know and what they would like to know by the end of the topic. At the end of the topic, we revisit this so that staff and children can see how their learning has moved on. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. In each class, a ‘Learning Journey’ board is displayed for children to refer back to for key vocabulary and prior learning.
Our medium-term plans set out what we are teaching, vocabulary we would like the children to learn and how these lessons will be taught. Teachers will plan lessons using the progression grids and also based on their own classes learning and interests to ensure that lessons are engaging for our pupils. Planning is supported by the PLAN Science knowledge matrices. Teachers will continuously use assessment for learning in order to keep track of their pupils’ learning and to plan next steps which will be different for every child. Planning involves teachers creating engaging lessons, often involving high-quality resources to aid understanding of conceptual knowledge.
Impact
Our science curriculum is practical, high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression from EYFS through to Key Stage 1. We focus on progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary which form part of the units of work.
We measure the impact of our science curriculum through the following methods: