Science

Intent

At Northside, we want our children to be confident and curious learners who apply their skills in a scientific way, using lines of enquiry across the curriculum and in later life.  They should be able to ask and answer challenging question and successfully carry out investigations.  Our curriculum will encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

Implementation

Our children begin their science experience in Early Years Foundation Stage, with informal investigation within the setting. Teachers facilitate children’s curiosity with open-ended questions, and clearly thought out learning experiences; these are both child and adult led. 

In KS1 and KS2 science lessons are taught weekly.  The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons.  Linked knowledge organisers enable children to learn and retain the important vocabulary and knowledge contained within each unit.

The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons.  There is an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science through our adaptive teaching.  We plan for problem solving and real life opportunities that enable children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and are given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers.    To help with planning, teachers use knowledge matrices, which provide key learning and vocabulary that the children need along with examples of activities and assessment.  Where applicable links are made to other subjects.  Science Day encourages the children to be curious and gives them an opportunity to experience science in the real world.

Impact

The impact of our Science curriculum is that our children are equipped with the scientific skills and knowledge that will enable then to be ready for the secondary curriculum and for life as an adult in the world outside the classroom. Children will be able to demonstrate their ability to interpret scientific thinking and suggest ways in which they might explore a scientific principle.