Curriculum – Science
Intent
At Oakley Cross Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires. The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.
Implementation
Science in the Early Years
In the Early years, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. The focus in EYFS is about developing scientific language from an early age with an aim that children can use this scientific language confidently and accurately. They will also have lots of opportunities to investigate independently and as part of adult focussed activities. These investigations will be designed to develop enquiry skills and spark children’s interests.
Key Stage 1 and 2
The National Curriculum will provide a structure and skill development for the science curriculum being taught throughout the school. Children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2 and are taught in topic blocks.
Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching.
Learning & Local Links
Throughout KS1 and KS2 children will have the opportunity to make links with other topics like using electricity within a design and technology project or extend their knowledge such as using their knowledge of rocks and soils when learning about mining. As much of the learning, where possible, will be practical. We will use our school grounds to teach some our studies.
Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as celebrating Science Week, whole school science workshop afternoons and educational visits linked to the science curriculum.
Impact
As a result of learning Science at Oakley Cross Primary School, pupils will have a sound understanding of how Science works in the world around them and will have the skills to investigate scientific questions, answering them in an accurate and systematic way.