Science Curriculum Statement

At Wetheringsett, the Science curriculum looks at ensuring that all pupils develop scientific knowledge and understanding through all three disciplines (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), as well as having a clear understanding of the nature, processes and methods involved in scientific enquiry. While programmes of study are set out for each year group, we are only required to have covered all programmes of study by the end of the key stage, resulting in some flexibility in what we teach. This enables us to adapt the Science curriculum to fit in with our mixed year classes.  In KS1, LKS2 and UKS2 the topics are taught over a two-year period, with mixtures of both year groups’ topics taught in any one year.

As a school, each year in March we participate in British Science Week.  Every day, during science week, pupils will take part in a science lesson based around the Science Week theme. 

Intent

At Wetheringsett Primary School, the intent of our Science curriculum is to encourage all pupils to:

• Build, develop and retain their natural sense of curiosity about the world in which they live.
• Develop a set of attitudes, which will promote scientific ways of thinking, including perseverance, objectivity and a recognition of the importance of teamwork.
• Develop and use a good scientific vocabulary appropriate to their ability.
• Come to understand the nature of “scientific method”. This will involve meticulous observation, the making and testing of hypotheses, the design of fair and considered experiments, the drawing of meaningful conclusions through critical reasoning and the evaluation of evidence.
• Become effective communicators of scientific ideas, facts and data.
• Begin to build up a body of scientific knowledge and understanding, which will be used as a foundation for future enquiry.
• Relate Science to everyday life by using everyday materials and situations.
• Participate in practical work safely and carefully.

Impact

Through the teaching and learning of science, pupils will:

• build a body of knowledge essential to our understanding of the world around us.
• build up a methodology for thinking which today forms the basis of most intellectual thinking.
• Learn the skills and knowledge of Science which have a wide applicability in everyday life.
• have opportunities to develop the following attitudes
  • Curiosity
  • Open-mindedness
  • Perseverance
  • Tolerance
  • Co-operation
  • Responsibility
  • Critical awareness
  • Originality   

Useful Websites

BBC bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary

National Geographic for Kids: https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/

National History Museum: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/

NASA for Kids: https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html#.VpP5hDZH3zI

DK Find Out: https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/science/

Wow Science: https://wowscience.co.uk/