'Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world.'
Albert Einstein
Intent:
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Curiosity: Children will develop a sense of excitement about natural phenomena in anticipation of understanding how science can be used to predict or explain.
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Enquiry: Children will work scientifically utilising and developing a range of skills in observation, recording, identifying, classifying, comparing, testing, questioning and research.
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Core knowledge: High-quality science education which provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics will be delivered.
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Language: Children will be explicitly taught scientific vocabulary and its meaning before being given multiple opportunities to apply.
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Life-long learning: Children will be equipped with the foundation stones of scientific knowledge in preparation for their future investigations and careers.
Implementation:
Through our inclusive two-year rolling curriculum we teach Science in half-termly units; enabling all pupils to access age-related objectives by the end of each Key Stage. At the centre of our curriculum is the drive to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Children develop secure understanding of each key unit in order to progress to the next stage, this accumulation of knowledge is monitored closely via pre and post unit assessments which inform responsive teaching, live feedback and next steps. Initially, teachers will activate prior knowledge and plan teaching that builds on existing understanding and experiences. Teachers will then explicitly teach or model a specific scientific concept before guiding pupils through an investigation with the aim of encouraging independent practice, questioning and structured reflection.
Impact:
Our aspiration is for every child to see themselves as a scientist who can use appropriate vocabulary with confidence in a collaborative learning environment. Pupils will profit from the power of discussion as they use their scientific knowledge to reason and justify their ideas, research or discoveries. Pupils’ scientific understanding, practice and, most importantly, curiosity will be built through high-quality teaching; ultimately inspiring pupils to not only build a coherent understanding of the world around them but to question it also.