'Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.' James 1:17

‘To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination’ (Albert Einstein)

Intent

Our Science curriculum aims to equip children with the foundations for understanding the world through a scientific lens. Pupils will be taught units of work that cover and go beyond the requirements of the National Curriculum in the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Pupils will encounter people who have made significant contributions to the field of science over time, understanding that science has been a quest for understanding for many years, and will continue to be so in the future. Pupils will build a body of key foundational science knowledge as they work through the curriculum, asking questions and developing a sense of curiosity about the world around them whilst also developing skills associated with science as a process of enquiry. Pupils learn to question and discuss science-based issues that may affect their own lives and the directions of society using a breadth of scientific vocabulary. We inspire our scientists of the future as they build their understanding of the value and place science has in their lives.

Implementation

Our science curriculum is implemented using Primary Knowledge Curriculum (PKC) whereby classes in KS1 and KS2 cover 6 science units every year. EYFS follow topic based learning with a range of scientific knowledge incorporated. Our science curriculum builds knowledge incrementally. Pupils have multiple opportunities to secure and build on their knowledge and understanding as subject content is revisited at points throughout the curriculum. This helps children to master the knowledge and concepts whilst building up an extended specialist vocabulary. This incremental approach helps teachers to identify knowledge gaps and look back at previous content if they need to close gaps in knowledge or understanding. Each lesson begins with a prior learning review and knowledge organisers are used for each unit specifying the fingertip knowledge we want our pupils to master.

Pupils are encouraged to use the knowledge they learn in Science and apply it to investigations that test a theory or set out to answer a question. Importantly, substantive scientific knowledge is taught first, before pupils are asked to undertake enquiry. This helps them to fully understand the elements of the enquiry first, and to make informed observations about the processes they see. Gathering information, recording data, graphing data and interpreting findings are all essential skills that pupils will apply to new contexts as they work through the curriculum. Enquiries include observing over time, pattern seeking, identifying, classifying and grouping, comparative and fair testing and researching using secondary sources. Scientific enquiries provide children with a wealth of opportunities, but first and foremost they will help to deepen understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science as a discipline and how it differs from other subjects they are studying.

Impact

Each science unit sets out clear, specific knowledge goals, assessment outcomes and suggested assessment tasks. We ensure that when assessing pupils’, evidence is drawn from a wide range of sources including during discussions with pupils and related questioning, day to day observations, practical enquiry based evidence and completed written work in books. This evidence is used to inform the teachers developing picture of the knowledge and understanding of each pupil, plan future learning accordingly and address any misconceptions and gaps immediately.

The impact of this curriculum will lead to good progress over time, across key stages, relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave St Pancras reaching at least age related expectations for Science. Through a varied curriculum and school trips/visitors our Science curriculum will lead pupils to be enthusiastic Science learners and understand that science has changed our lives and that it is vital to the world’s future prosperity. Children will be able to explain the process they have taken and be able to reason scientifically. We will empower our children so they understand they have the capability to change the world. This is evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their work and their overwhelming enjoyment for science.