"A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all children should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, children should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes."
The National Curriculum
Intent
Why do we teach this? Why do we teach it in the way we do?
At Rosedale Primary School, we follow the National Curriculum for Science in KS1 and KS2. Science teaching and learning is mapped out using the Early Learning Goals from children joining school in EYFS and then using the CUSP scheme of learning from Year 1 progressively to Year 6. These programs ensure the Understanding the World areas of learning and development create foundations for Science teaching throughout our curriculum.
Our Science Overview outlines when, and for how long, each topic should be taught in each year group. In the overview, prior and future knowledge are demonstrated, including for EYFS. It demonstrates the knowledge children learn in each year group and also includes key vocabulary, ethical questions to be debated in each unit (linking their science to real life situations) and investigations to ensure scientific enquiry skills in each unit.
Sequencing within a unit will build on prior learning and introduce the pupils to new contexts and links with other areas of learning.
Implementation
What do we teach? What does this look like?
As a core subject, Science is taught weekly using a range of scientific investigation types. Teachers assess and build on prior learning using questioning and model new concepts in a range of ways, in order to tailor teaching to individual needs where necessary. Links are made to future learning in Science and how the knowledge and skills learnt can be applied to different careers.