At Northside Primary School, we believe that Science is fundamental to our children’s ability to make sense of the world around them.

We provide every child with a broad and balanced science curriculum which enables them to confidently explore and discover what is around them, so that they have a deeper understanding of the world we live in. Scientific investigations allow pupils to develop critical thinking skills, question existing scientific theory and understand the importance of a fair test.
To achieve this we ensure our science curriculum provides exciting, practical hands on experiences that encourage curiosity and questioning. Our aim is to stimulate and challenge children, helping them secure and extend their scientific knowledge and vocabulary, as well as promoting a love and thirst for learning.

We believe that Science is fundamental to our children’s ability to make sense of the world around them.  Our aim is that our children see themselves as potential scientists of the future and can make links between their learning and current practice in scientific fields.  Their scientific study should allow them to develop critical thinking skills, question existing scientific theory and understand that scientific enquiry helps us to develop our understanding of the natural and material world.  Our Science curriculum interlinks and supports children’s understanding of Mathematical and Design and Technological processes.  Our progressive, high-quality curriculum provides the basis for this principle.  We are committed to ensuring that all out children experience success in Science and fulfil their individual potential.  We aim to deliver a curriculum that is accessible to all and maximises outcomes. To support this, we are committed to the ongoing continued professional development of staff within our school and their individual subject knowledge.

In line with the National Curriculum (2014), our aim is to ensure all children:

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understating through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• Develop understanding of nature, processes and methods of science through different types of scientific 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 and timely interventions where necessary.
• Consolidate concepts through repetition.

Teaching Sequence

In EYFS, Science is delivered through daily continuous provision and adult led activities.

In KS1 and 2, Science is taught weekly over two one hour sessions.  The lessons comprise of a variety of teaching materials: videos, discussions, debates, source materials and artefacts.  Interactive knowledge organisers support children knowing and remembering more.  The teaching sequence includes: the revisit, addressing of misconceptions, new vocabulary, teaching of new knowledge, independent task and making links in learning.

Monitoring

To ensure high quality delivery of the science curriculum, the subject lead conducts termly book looks, learning walks, pupil voice and planning scrutiny.  CPD is planned to address misconceptions or areas of development identified through monitoring.