Curriculum Statement of Intent for Science
Introduction
In accordance with the academy’s philosophy, we seek to inspire all our pupils and stimulate their curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. At St. Bernadette’s Academy we believe that for young children, Science is an introduction to the world of living things, materials and phenomena. It is a largely practical subject which develops a spirit of enquiring by encouraging curiosity and reason. Scientists have revealed vast amounts of knowledge about our world by using the skills of observation, prediction, investigation and interpretation. Each child needs to enjoy the experiences associated with Science by increasing and developing their knowledge and understanding, and by starting to use the skills associated with scientific methods of investigation. Working with others, learning how to persevere and learning how to ask questions are attitudes that encourage work to be carried out in a scientific way. We strive to make our curriculum relevant, engaging and unique for our pupils. Our role is to equip our pupils with the scientific knowledge, skills and understanding they need to understand the uses and implications of Science in our world today and in the future. We encourage them to think about the effects their actions may have on the environment and encourage them to question and debate scientific issues that may affect their own lives in the future.
Science Curriculum
Our curriculum for Science is based around the National Curriculum programmes of study for Key Stages 1 and 2. The subject leader has organised these areas of learning for Key Stage 1, Lower Key Stage 2 and Upper Key stage 2. This is to suit our mixed aged classes and our two year cycle of topics.
The curriculum has been designed so that there is a progression of knowledge, skills and understanding across the different areas of learning. When working scientifically, the National Curriculum programmes of study have been arranged so that there is a progressive development of skills across each year group. Through a teach, practice, repeat type-approach, and the fact that these skills are incorporated in to every topic, pupils are able to develop a greater depth of understanding and embed the skills they have developed in different contexts.
Topics have been chosen that we know are relevant, engaging and will meet the needs of our pupils. These topics have then been worked on in Key Stage and Year group teams to ensure continuity and progression of subjects, and how subjects link together to create purposeful learning journeys for our pupils. These are carefully put together and set out in coverage plans at the start of each topic. A key question acts as a hook and a way in to new learning and topic webs act as a summary of key learning within topics. We are also focused on preparing our pupils for the future and so within each topic, it is our aim to develop an understanding of what Science really is, and the careers associated with it.
Lessons are regularly presented in practical contexts which are relevant to the children’s experiences. Working in this way, also helps all pupils to access the curriculum and helps to overcome barriers to learning, such as language, which some of our pupils may have. This involves learning in class, group and individual situations. Small group activities follow on from class discussion and encourage collaboration. Where possible, pupils are encouraged to investigate their own questions, making decisions for themselves and maintaining a high level of motivation.
We appreciate that curriculum review and renewal is essential to ensure our curriculum is appropriate for the pupils in our academy, has the maximum impact on learning and is relevant to things going on in the world. We also provide further enrichment activities, arrange trips and visitors to the academy and special focus days or weeks to offer breadth of opportunity and to equip our pupils with a range of skills that will help them to succeed in later life.
