Curriculum – Science

At Esh Winning Primary School we provide a high-quality science education, which provides:

• Foundations for understanding the world.
• Specific disciplines: biology, chemistry and physics providing the skills to develop a passion for science.
• All pupils will be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.
• Recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of curiosity about natural phenomena.

They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.  To see what relationships, they can conclude once they have conducted their own enquiry questions.

Science in the Early Years  

Key focus on learning outdoors.  The children are encouraged to notice what is going on in their environment, leading to the development of curiosity question.  Discovering similarities, differences, patterns and change.  They will be beginning to describe and explain scientific concepts.

Key Stage 1 and 2

For the progression of learning, teachers create an inquisitive attitude to science learning within their classrooms.  Our approach to the teaching and learning of science is seen in the following ways;

• Science will be taught weekly by the class teacher. This is a strategy to enable the achievement of a greater depth of knowledge within this core subject.
• Working Scientifically skills are embedded into half-termly lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career.  Scientific vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching.
• Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning, we also have a strong learning relationship with NUSTEM to give the children the chance to experience science through experts.

Each unit of science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• 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.

The Esh Winning Primary approach results in a fun science curriculum, that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world.

Our engagement with the local environment and local scientists, ensures that children learn through varied and first-hand experiences. Through various NUSTEM and expert workshops, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that it is important part of the world’s future.

Children have access to positive role models within the different fields of science.

At Esh Winning Primary children enjoy science, and this results in motivated learners with a passion for scientific understanding and learning.

Science Vocabulary Progression

Science Progression map

Long Term Curriculum Overview for Science - Snap Science links

Cultural Capital

Our well-designed Science units are enhanced through outdoor learning in our fantastic grounds, this includes our wood, garden and pond area. We are also fortunate to be able to welcome additional support from Newcastle University, through their outreach scheme. We joined the NUSTEM programme in 2017 and this has been a fantastic partnership supporting our children from Early Years to Year 6 to be immersed in Science. We have regular visits from graduates and scientists and Year 6 have visited the university laboratories every year. We are proud of the cultural capital opportunities we provide the children in our school, so they can develop a deeper and lasting understanding.

SMSC

Science supports all elements of the SMSC framework. It supports spiritual development by providing many opportunities for children to think and spend time reflecting on the amazing wonders which occur in our natural world. By showing children that different opinions need to be respected and valued, it supports and encourages moral development. There are many moral and ethical issues that we cover in science including discussions about climate change and being part of the COP26 conference. Science supports social development by exposing children to the power of collaborative working in the science community which has led to some amazing and life changing breakthroughs, especially in the world of medicine and microbiology. When undertaking experiments and research children work collaboratively. Science supports cultural development by looking at how scientists from a range of cultures have had a significant impact globally. We also work alongside the NUSTEM programme looking at the important role women take in the world of Science and looking at the career paths available to all children across the world. This supports children to understand how important science is to the economy and culture of the UK.

British Values

Democracy

• Take the views and opinions of others into account
• Take turns and instructions from other

The rule of law

• Understand the importance of safety rules when working scientifically
• Know that there are consequences in rules are not followed

Individual liberty

• Make choices when planning an investigation
• Others may have different points of view as to where to start

Tolerance

• Scientific discoveries have come from other cultures
• Religious beliefs often compete with scientific understanding

Mutual respect

• Work as a team
• Discuss findings
• Offer support and advice to others