'Science is like magic but real.' Arthur. C. Clarke

The aims and objectives of Science are in line with the National Curriculum and enables children to:

• 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

Intent

At Heartwood, we encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at school and beyond. In science, like all subjects, we mirror our Heartwood Vision.  We aim to grow curious minds with a thirst for knowledge and responsible minds that always want to 'Make a Difference' locally and globally.

The Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living. We believe science encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes.

Throughout the programmes of study, the children will acquire and develop the key substantive and disciplinary knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group. The key knowledge identified by each year group is informed by the national curriculum and builds towards identified phase ‘end points’ in accordance with NC expectations.

Implementation

Key skills (procedural knowledge) are also mapped for each year group and are progressive throughout the school. These too ensure systematic progression to identified skills end points which are in accordance with the Working Scientifically skills expectations of the national curriculum.

The curriculum is designed to ensure that children are able to acquire key scientific knowledge through practical experiences; using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently. Cross curricular opportunities are also identified, mapped and planned to ensure contextual relevance. Children are encouraged to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings and a love of science is nurtured through a whole school ethos and a varied science curriculum.

In Nursery 'Understanding the World' is taught through planned topics and continuous provision. Adults work closely with children to develop their understanding through meaningful interactions, direct teaching and play. In Reception children have a weekly lesson focused on 'Understanding the World' and then their learning is enhanced through the continuous provision and their interactions with adults.

Children in Reception, KS1 and KS2 have weekly science lessons and are taught to work scientifically by:

 ● Questioning                                                                                                                                                                         

● Scientific enquiry – comparative and fair testing, researching, observation over time, pattern-seeking, identifying, grouping and classifying and problem solving                                                                                             

● Drawing conclusions based on data and observations                                                                                               

● Using evidence to justify ideas                                                                                                                                         

● Using scientific knowledge to explain findings

We embed retrieval practice to ensure that the children have a secure understanding of the most important science concepts, this enables them to build in prior learning to connect concepts and to avoid potential misconceptions. 

Impact

Children have curious and inquisitive minds and have acquired key substantive and disciplinary knowledge. Children are able to question, predict, research, observe, draw conclusions, conduct fair tests, use evidence to justify ideas and use scientific knowledge to explain findings.

Enrichment in 23/24 and 24/25

Heartwood Forest

Pensthorpe

Banham Zoo

St. Peter and St. Pauls' Church

National Space Centre

Natural History Museum

Science Museum

Planetarium visit