Science Curriculum
Intent
We want to develop a lifelong curiosity and interest in the sciences by immersing our pupils in an engaging and broad science curriculum (including our EYFS Early Learning Goal- Knowledge and Understanding of the World). This will give our children a secure understanding of the world surrounding them whilst undertaking investigations and asking questions in such a way that they are curious to find out why things happen in the way they do.
As a school we are incredibly lucky to be located in such a rich and diverse environment where all that we need is on our doorstep - hills, rock formations, rivers, streams, open space and more. This means that we can fulfill many of the requirements set out in the National Curriculum without having to stretch too far beyond our locality. We have access to our own Forest School and this can be contrasted with the working environments found in Whaley Bridge and Macclesfield. We prepare our children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world whilst fostering concern about, and actively caring for our local, national and global environment.
Implementation
The Primary Curriculum objectives have been carefully divided up into KS1 and KS2 over a 2 Year Cycle so that each strand of science- Biology, Chemistry and Physics are covered during their time with us. Children in EYFS work towards the Early Years Outcomes under the strand ‘Understanding the World.’
The teachers use a progression of skills grid to plan their units and series of lessons.
Using the local environment children will learn through a range of first-hand experiences of the world around them and become responsible citizens. In tandem with projects such as STEM and Aspirations Week, children explore the possibilities for careers in science and engage in community links. Through teaching, we model how to ask and answer scientific questions, use appropriate scientific language and teach how to appreciate the way science will affect their future on a personal, national, and global level. As they move through the school, they learn about significant scientists and their discoveries and impact these have or have had on societies.
Children will carry out investigations during each unit of work using hypotheses to develop planning and investigational skills through relevant practical tasks, including observing, measuring, predicting, hypothesising, experimenting, communicating, interpreting, explaining and evaluating fair testing, controls, variables and be able to draw conclusions.
Impact
Written work in science books, together with photographic evidence in Floor Books and working walls will track the learning that takes place at Kettleshulme. During teaching sessions, children will be able to recall key knowledge, use the correct vocabulary and refer to learning walls and learn how to use and handle scientific equipment safely and appropriately. End of unit assessments will demonstrate the knowledge and understanding children have gained against the learning outcomes set out in each unit.
Subject lead monitoring such as Pupil Voice and book looks aim to measure the impact of our curriculum and evaluate and adapt teaching and learning for all our learners.
We want our children to be curious learners through exploration and investigation, ask and answer questions and be passionate about the world around them so that they will be independently driven to find out more about it.