Science

Curriculum Documents

Intent

The Science curriculum develops natural curiosity, respect for living organisms and instils the importance of caring for the natural environment. Pupils learn to pose and answer their own questions by engaging in practical and stimulating lessons that are purposefully linked to their everyday lives. Science teaching is focused on developing pupil’s understanding of the wider world, working scientifically and developing skills of enquiry.

Our program of study links to the national curriculum for science and aims to ensure that all pupils:

develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Implementation

Science is taught through a spiralised curriculum where the majority of topics are revisited and built upon across year groups. This ensures that prior knowledge is embedded and applied to real world experiences. Retrieval activities allow children to revisit concepts and topics from previous year groups and reinforce practical learning.

Lessons are matched to the National Curriculum statements and are planned to be as interactive and practical as possible, promoting the development of Working Scientifically skills. In most lessons children are taught to make educated predictions based on what they already know and draw conclusions about these at the end.

Misconceptions are identified early through short activities at the beginning of a new topic, and future lessons are designed to address these misconceptions. Pupils have a chance to reflect on their learning at the end of each topic.

Planning contains subject specific vocabulary which is taught throughout each topic area. Teachers draw on a wealth of high-quality resources to plan lessons and make links where relevant to the work of notable Scientists or specific fields of expertise (e.g. palaeontologists)

Children have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of STEM and science investigations by taking part in the STEM enrichment club where the children participate in a range of exciting and ‘wow’ investigations posing and answering questions.

Impact

Children are able to recall the rich learning experiences they have been provided with and know that each new taught concept provides a new, or builds on an existing block of learning. Children think critically, ask questions and use their metacognitive learning skills. Children know to persevere and embrace challenge and as a result, enjoy their Eureka moment of success!

Standards in science, are monitored in a variety of ways: book studies, pupil voice, Staff voice questionnaires and learning walks. The Science Governor visits regularly and reports on standards, provision and enrichment opportunities to the Governing Body.

We are very proud that Brushwood Junior School was awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM GILT) in 2023-2026 in recognition of the high quality provision for Science across the school.