Science
Intent
At Parsloes Primary School we believe that a high-quality science curriculum provides the foundations for understanding the world. Science encompasses the acquisition of new knowledge, concepts and skills; encouraging pupils to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural wonders that occur on our planet. During active and engaging lessons, pupils will learn and discuss scientific theories and processes, which will enable them to answer scientific questions about the world. They will develop scientific enquiry skills and use scientific language to explain concepts confidently.
Implementation
At Parsloes Primary School, we teach Science as part of a blocked curriculum, ensuring children are given every opportunity to reach an in-depth level of understanding through a project-based approach. We provide exciting and active learning experiences that have been carefully planned to build on children’s understanding from one year to the next. Topics are planned and delivered in a way that enables children to learn a range of scientific concepts, whilst further developing their scientific skills and ability to think scientifically. We have adopted a ‘science capital’ approach to teaching, ensuring that learning experiences are related to the real world and use everyday examples that are relevant to the children at our school. Staff have regular opportunities for high quality science CPD, to continue supporting and developing teachers’ subject and pedagogical knowledge.
Language Acquisition Scientific vocabulary is carefully planned and taught in a progressive manner across the school, including the language of scientific enquiry. Children learn to think and talk like scientists through the use of scientific language.
Empowering Experiences Our science curriculum is enriched by a variety of different sources from outside school. As well as making use of the local area, children access trips and workshops to enhance their scientific understanding.
Active and Hands on Learning Children have well planned opportunities to hypothesise, investigate and discover answers for themselves. All units of work are fully resourced with the scientific equipment necessary for hands on learning.
Relevance to our Diverse Community Through the units of work and cross-curricular links with reading, children are exposed to the work of scientists from a range of backgrounds and cultures.
New Knowledge and Skills The science curriculum is sequenced progressively to ensure prior learning is referred to and built upon. Scientific enquiry skills are embedded throughout and developed as children progress through the school.
Curriculum Planning
Science at Parsloes – Our Scientists at Work
Scientific Knowledge
Our curriculum overviews detail the key scientific content required for each unit of work. These are shared with children and families at the beginning of each half term to help enhance learning.
