Intent

• To develop children’s curiosity, enabling them to make sense of the world through a knowledge-rich curriculum intertwined with opportunities for children to develop and apply their working scientifically skills

• To help our children acquire a growing understanding of scientific ideas, to question and extend their knowledge of the world around them

• To raise science capital, through our partnerships with the parent community, STEM ambassadors, local schools/universities and enrichment workshops

• To foster concern about, and active care for our environment

• To provide children with the necessary tools to identify false information. Science is not just about learning established facts but also about fostering critical thought

Implementation

At Chorlton CofE we teach a creative curriculum that makes meaningful links. When possible we ensure that science is taught through our topics to help children make connections in their learning. When these links are not obvious, science is taught discreetly to guarantee coverage of the objectives. Our science curriculum has been shaped to ensure knowledge and skills are intertwined and is taken from the National Curriculum. Teachers ensure that children are not only familiar with, but have opportunities to develop and apply their working scientifically skills. These include:

• Pattern Seeking

• Observation over time

• Grouping and classifying

• Using equipment and fair testing

• Researching and presenting

There is a carefully mapped progression of skills, knowledge and scientific vocabulary to ensure children build upon these year on year. 

Our Science curriculum is also drawn from: 

• PLAN Assessment Knowledge Matrices
• Primary Science Teaching Trust Planning Resources
• Reach out CPD
• Developing Experts
• Explorify  

Both formative and summative assessment are used against the scientific skills and knowledge objectives when teachers are making their judgements. Children have opportunities to represent their understanding of key concepts, in what they do, say, write or draw.

Staff use their observational skills to address misconceptions as well as promote further challenge and deepening of knowledge. Assessment outcomes also allow teachers to plan carefully for next steps. 

• Impact

Children at Chorlton CofE say science is, 'the discovery of new things and how it can help make our world better place'. Pupils talk positively about 'hands on' experiments and the impact this has on developing their knowledge of a topic. 

Children enjoy a high quality science education delivered via thought-provoking and engaging lessons. This provides the foundations for understanding the world they live. When children leave primary school, our curriculum prepares them for a life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.