Science

Science at Good Shepherd

Intent

Our intent is to provide a high-quality science curriculum embedded with meaningful, memorable learning experiences. We intend to increase pupil’s scientific knowledge, develop pupil’s working scientifically skills and enable pupils to build on and link prior learning with new learning whilst promoting a love of science. Through our ambitious curriculum, we aim to prepare our children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world today and in the future. We will build on pupils’ natural curiosity of the world around them and enable them to appreciate the impact of scientific progress. We intend our Science curriculum will guide our children in realising their God-given potential and fulfilling their vocation to be a future scientist.

Implementation

Our Science Working Party Group, in collaboration with science expertise from the Ogden Trust have designed an enquiry based, progressive, ambitious curriculum based around the National Curriculum for Science which encompasses:

· Well planned, progressive science teaching embedded with meaningful, memorable, practical learning experiences where learning is revisited across key stages

· Explicit teaching of scientific vocabulary which is mapped progressively across key stages

· Links to prior Learning

· An enquiry-based approach

· Interplay between knowledge and skills

· Opportunities for children to develop their ‘substantive’ and ‘disciplinary knowledge’

· Two-hour weekly Science lessons, supported with detailed planning and practical resources

Impact

Leaders and teachers will use a range of data to assess the impact of our Science Curriculum through analysis of: pupil and teacher voice, book looks and learning walks, knowledge checker quizzes. Children will complete a knowledge checker quiz at the end of each unit which will be used to monitor the retention of key learning and to inform further planning. As a result of our Science Curriculum, children will:

· Acquire a richer vocabulary which will enable them to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.

· develop their scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding and ability to think and act scientifically.

· be equipped with the knowledge required to appreciate and understand science’s contribution to all aspects of everyday life.

· build on their curiosity and sense of awe of the natural world.

· Develop high aspirations and unleash their potential as scientists of the future which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life.