Science
Intent
Our curriculum here at St. Paul’s is driven by our vision and values.
Learning Together Following Jesus
Christian values are the heartbeat of our school. Seeking to be respectful, responsible, and empowering global citizens, we follow the words of St Paul, 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.' In this context, rejoicing in Jesus' love and compassion for all, we pursue excellence as we celebrate everyone's uniqueness in a broad, rich and balanced curriculum.
At Adlington St. Paul’s, our science curriculum is ambitious for all and provides the foundations for understanding the world through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Our curriculum follows the aims of the National Curriculum.
- 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
Our school’s science curriculum begins in reception and is built upon throughout the school up until year 6. The curriculum is planned to build increasingly sophisticated knowledge of the products (substantive knowledge) and practices (disciplinary knowledge) of science.
We intend to motivate, inspire and engage learners with a bespoke curriculum designed to develop knowledge, skills and vocabulary that will equip our children for the future. We want our children to understand the importance of investigation and how this has led to significant change in the world. The curriculum is sequenced so that the pupils have the necessary disciplinary and substantive knowledge to carry out practical work successfully and learn from it.
Our aim is for all learners to make effective progress within the science curriculum and are ready for their next stage of science education.
Implementation
At St. Paul’s we implement a sequenced and progressive science curriculum inclusive for all learners in our school from Reception to Year 6.
Each science topic promotes vocabulary and reading, with carefully chosen science texts to enhance learning. Children are able to apply their maths knowledge and skills in science lessons and there are opportunities for extended pieces of writing linked to science content in Key Stage 2 through our Language and Literacy programme.
To further develop children's working scientifically knowledge and skills and to understand the importance of investigation our Cornerstones Curriculum contains all aspects of working scientifically in each unit. Along with the additional 'Love to Investigate' units carried out as best fit. We have also identified a diverse range of key scientists for the children to learn about as they progress through school.
Each Cornerstones unit starts with a pre-assessment task - 'engage' to inform teaching and planning. A series of stimulating lessons are planned, with clear knowledge and skills based learning objectives and subject specfic vocabulary, which is included on knowledge organisers through our Cornerstones science specific topics. Post learning assessment are planned to demonstrate progress, knowledge and understanding and follow the Cornerstones assessment quizzes.
Pupils regularly retrieve knowledge from memory to help them remember and organise their knowledge. Each lesson begins with a quick review activity and explanation of key vocabulary to be understood and used in the lesson.
To further develop curriculum links between home and school, ‘Knowledge Organisers’ are sent home at the beginning of every topic to inform parents and carers of what their children will be studying during that topic. In addition, ‘Pick and Mix’ projects are sent home, which promote topic based learning projects outside of school. These are then brought into school and celebrated by adults and children.
Enrichments opportunities for Science are provided through a yearly Science week with themes linked to the children’s interests and learning. Trips, fieldwork and visitors to school are also encouraged to enrich and enhance the science learning at Adlington St. Paul’s.
Our curriculum is delivered through highly effective ‘quality first teaching’. It promotes children’s Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development, ensuring that they are reflective and responsible citizens. Fundamental British Values are actively promoted in order to prepare the children for life in Modern Britain.
Impact
Our well-planned Science curriculum ensures that children are given essential knowledge, skills and concepts to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, how things behave and to analyse causes. Children achieve well and enjoy their learning at Adlington St. Paul’s, they aspire to be the best that they can be, building perseverance and resilience and show that they know more and remember more.