Science Curriculum Statement

Intent

At Horsmonden, it is our intention to recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. Through our inquiry based approach to the curriculum, we aim to increase children's knowledge and understanding of our world, and develop their confidence to enable them to find out things for themselves using scientific principles. We strive to allow our pupils to acquire specific skills and knowledge enabling them to think scientifically, gain an understanding of scientific processes, critically evaluate evidence and to also provide them with an understanding of the uses of science for both today and in the future. Through our curriculum provision, we endeavour to embrace a child’s natural curiosity about the universe around them, whilst simultaneously promoting a respect for all living organisms and the environment.

We aspire to ensure that our science curriculum provides children with the confidence and ambition to develop their skills within the subsequent stages of their education and forthcoming life experiences. A focus on reflection of scientific knowledge acquired, also helps children to develop a sense of responsibility regarding the impact of their actions on themselves, others and their world.

Implementation

Through carefully mapped out skills that are in line with the National Curriculum, children develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery . The PYP framework allows us to design our science curriculum in a way which provides contextualised learning and allows us to make cross curricular links between science and the wider curriculum. 

Our science curriculum is designed to provide children with the opportunity to work scientifically and acquire the necessary skills to problem solve and work collaboratively to conduct a range of investigative activities. When conducting investigations, children are encouraged to think like scientists and make predictions using their previous knowledge and experiences to support their theologies. Teachers model the use of vocabulary, various scientific equipment and the scientific skills needed in order to embed scientific understanding. 

Throughout the school year, trips and events such as Science Week and STEM workshops are implemented across the school in order to broaden the provision pupils receive to allow them to gain more and apply scientific skills within a new context. 

Children use a range of methods to present scientific information, for example ICT, diagrams, graphs, tables etc. Children also learn to develop respect for the materials and the equipment they handle, with regard for their own and other children’s safety.

Impact

The impact of this curriculum design will lead to outstanding progress over time, across key stages, relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will be able to remember more and do more. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, 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 have the confidence to question ideas and reflect on knowledge and will be able to explain processes they have taken and to be able to reason scientifically. This is evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their work and their overwhelming enjoyment for science. 

Our science curriculum is carefully planned by our staff, in line with our skills progression and it is tailored to suit the individual needs of each year group. This allows us to ensure that all children are keeping up with the curriculum, therefore making good progress. We measure the impact of our science curriculum through rigorous assessment, keeping track of all children’s progress across each scientific unit as they move throughout the school. Our skills progression enables us to ensure that children’s scientific understanding is consistently being built upon, as it provides clear structure for our science curriculum. 

At Horsmonden, our curriculum is fun and engaging to encourage all learners to gain the foundations they require to better their understanding of the world around them and by implementing a range of investigative activities, children are learning through first hand experiences. Children are able to learn about the career opportunities science encompasses through the links made with the wider community and the opportunities given to them at school. 

We want to empower our children so they understand they have the capability to change the world. We are committed to ensuring our pupils receive the highest quality of science education and have high aspirations which will see them through to further study and a successful adult life.

Resources

Resources are kept in the science cupboard and returned there when not in use. Resource cupboard is to be kept tidy so that resources are accessible. Teachers inform the science leader if there are any specific resources that are needed and that cannot be found in the science cupboard. Science leader is to replenish resources as and when they are needed. Science leader to keep up to date about new curriculum developments and relay them to staff when needed.