Because of our Science Curriculum, our children Grow and Flourish as Scientists through-
Wisdom- having the ability to think independently and raise questions about working scientifically and the knowledge and skills that it brings. Having excellent scientific knowledge and understanding.
Love- developing a passion for science and its application in past, present and future technologies. High levels of originality, imagination and innovation in the application of skills.
Perseverance- having the confidence and competence in a full range of practical skills, taking the initiative in, for example, planning and carrying out scientific investigations.
Wisdom-Love-Perseverance
Intent:
At Mary Howard, our science curriculum aims to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena and an understanding of how the scientific community contributes to our past, present and future.
We want pupils to develop a complex knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, but also adopt a broad range of skills in working scientifically and beyond. We are using the Kapow Primary Science scheme of work which is inclusive and meaningful, so all pupils may experience the joy of science and make associations between their science learning and their lives outside the classroom. Studying science allows children to appreciate how new knowledge and skills can be fundamental to solving arising global challenges.
Our curriculum aims to encourage:
- A strong focus on developing knowledge alongside scientific skills across Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Curiosity and excitement about familiar and unknown observations.
- Challenging misconceptions and demystifying truths.
- Continuous progression by building on practical and investigative skills across all units.
- Critical thinking, with the ability to ask perceptive questions and explain and analyse evidence.
- Development of scientific literacy using wide-ranging, specialist vocabulary.
Kapow Primary’s Science scheme of work enables pupils to meet the end of key stage attainment targets in the national curriculum and the aims also align with those set out in the national curriculum.
Implementation:
The Science scheme of work is designed with strands that run throughout. These are:
Scientific knowledge and understanding of:
- Biology - living organisms and vital processes.
- Chemistry - matter and its properties.
- Physics - how the world we live in ‘works’.
Working scientifically - processes and methods of science to answer questions about the world around us.
Science in action - uses and implications of science in the past, present and for the future.
Units of lessons are sequential, allowing children to build their skills and knowledge, applying them to a range of outcomes. Working scientifically, a key part of the national curriculum, is also woven throughout units. These key skills are revisited again and again with increasing complexity in a spiral curriculum model. This allows pupils to revise and build on their previous learning.
Each unit is based upon one of the key science disciplines:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
To show progression throughout the school the National curriculum content has been grouped into six key areas of science:
- Plants
- Animals, including humans
- Living things and habitats
- Materials
- Energy Forces
- Earth and space
Pupils explore knowledge and conceptual understanding through engaging activities and an introduction to relevant specialist vocabulary. As suggested in Ofsted’s Science research review (April 2021), the ‘working scientifically’ skills are integrated with conceptual understanding rather than taught discretely. This provides frequent, but relevant, opportunities for developing scientific enquiry skills. The scheme utilises practical activities that aid in the progression of individual skills and also provides opportunities for full investigations.
Lessons are always practical in nature and encourage experimental and exploratory learning. Knowledge organisers support our children by providing a visual record of the key knowledge and techniques learned, encouraging recall of skills processes, key facts and vocabulary.
Impact:
The curriculum is designed in such a way that children are involved in the evaluation, dialogue and decision-making about the quality of their outcomes and the improvements they need to make. By taking part in regular discussions and decision-making processes, children will not only know facts and key information about science, but they will be able to talk confidently about their own learning journey, have higher metacognitive skills and have a growing understanding of how to improve.
After implementing Kapow Primary Science, pupils should leave school equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge to succeed in key stage 3 Science. They will have the necessary tools to confidently and meaningfully question and explore the world around them as well as critically and analytically experiencing and observing phenomena. Pupils will understand the significance and impact of Science on society.
The expected impact of following the Kapow Primary Science scheme of work is that children will:
- Develop a body of foundational knowledge for the Biology topics in the National curriculum: Plants; Animals, Including Humans; Living Things and Their Habitats; Evolution and Inheritance.
- Develop a body of foundational knowledge for the Chemistry topics in the National curriculum: Everyday Materials; Uses of Everyday Materials; Properties and Changes of Materials; States of Matter; Rocks.
- Develop a body of foundational knowledge for the Physics topics in the National curriculum: Seasonal Changes; Forces and Magnets; Sound; Light; Electricity; Earth and Space.
- Be able to evaluate and identify the methods that ‘real world’ scientists use to develop and answer scientific questions.
- Identify and use equipment effectively to accurately gather, measure and record data.
- Be able to display and convey data in a variety of ways, including graphs.
- Analyse data in order to identify, classify, group, and find patterns.
- Use evidence to formulate explanations and conclusions.
- Demonstrate scientific literacy through presenting concepts and communicating ideas using scientific vocabulary.
- Understand the importance of resilience and a growth mindset, particularly in reference to scientific enquiry.
- Meet the end of key stage expectations outlined in the National curriculum for Science.
The impact of Kapow Primary's scheme can be constantly monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities. Each lesson includes guidance to support teachers in assessing pupils against the learning objectives. A spreadsheet including the learning outcomes for children with secure understanding and those working at greater depth enables teachers to keep records of formative assessments for each child.
‘The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.’ - Albert Einstein
