Intent:

At BHPS we provide children with a challenging and engaging science curriculum that encourages children to be inquisitive. 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 their study, the children will acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills.

We aim to build on key scientific knowledge, understanding and skills. We ensure that skills for working scientifically are built-on and developed, so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.

Implementation:

We motivate and enthuse pupils by creating deep links with other curriculum areas including maths, science, history, art and SMSC. Wherever possible, we use first-hand experiences and aim to provide a purposeful, engaging high-quality science education that provides pupils with the foundations for understanding the world. So much of science lends itself to outdoor learning and so we provide pupils with opportunities to experience this. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity.

Our science curriculum is designed to allow children time to think, discuss, practise, explore and embed. This allows time for teaching, practice and repetition – both in a year group and across both key stages. Curriculum coverage is mapped out carefully from EYFS to Year 6 which allows some key concepts to be developed at a deeper level of learning, understanding and mastery. Fundamental knowledge and skills are covered at key points throughout the primary phase and repeated to allow pupils to build on what has been taught before. Where year groups are covering an area in more depth, this will be highlighted in green on the Curriculum Depth Map below. Lessons will be planned and a knowledge organiser provided for pupils, which outlines the area to be taught, where the new knowledge and skills fit in with their prior learning, any sticky knowledge they need to understand and key vocabulary they need to learn.  As we draw our pupils from a wide catchment, some of our children come from a scientific background (we have children whose parents have links with Nottingham University and the Queens Medical Centre) and already have some understanding of the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. These children are encouraged to study concepts in more depth, through independent study and through supporting others, explaining their thinking and linking ideas rationally.

Impact:

Impact is evidenced through:

• Pupils’ use and understanding of the identified scientific vocabulary
• Retaining key knowledge
• Demonstrating that they know more all the time
• Low-stakes tests/quizzes
• Pupils will be able to express their knowledge and understanding
• The use and outcomes of the varied activities

• High aspirations, which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life; particularly girls
• Children who have a genuine love of science and a thirst for scientific knowledge.