Science
Intent:
At Camps Hill, our aim is to inspire pupils to become curious, inquisitive and analytical thinkers with a broad understanding of the natural world – in other words, to think like scientists. We want pupils to develop the confidence to ask questions, make observations, carry out investigations, record data in a variety of ways, and analyse and present their findings.
Our curriculum aims to build pupils’ awareness of how science influences everyday life and drives progress in society. We want to encourage pupils to become reflective, responsible individuals who use scientific knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and contribute positively to the world around them.
The curriculum is designed to be both accessible and ambitious, ensuring that all learners can take part fully and achieve their potential. We celebrate science as an important part of life in Stevenage, a science town with strong links to this exciting industry. By building knowledge, skills and enthusiasm from an early age, we hope to nurture the scientists of the future, some of whom may one day choose careers in the science industry.
We aim for all children to leave Camps Hill as confident, inquisitive and reflective young scientists who are prepared to understand, explore and contribute to the rapidly changing world in which they live.
Implementation:
We aim to do this by:
- Teaching Science through a carefully sequenced, progressive curriculum, revisiting key concepts and skills over time so that children build on prior learning and develop a deeper understanding as they progress through the school.
- Providing opportunities for children to develop their scientific knowledge and understanding alongside the skills needed to work scientifically.
- Encouraging children to ask questions, make predictions, carry out practical investigations, observe changes, identify patterns, classify and group, undertake fair tests and draw conclusions from evidence.
- Using engaging, hands-on activities, demonstrations and investigations to spark curiosity and help children explore and explain the world around them.
- Adapting teaching and learning activities to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring that every child can access the curriculum, participate in investigations and be appropriately supported or challenged.
- Having whole school Science enrichment days to provide children with active, first-hand experiences to ensure that learning is memorable and enjoyable.
- Use of knowledge organisers to check existing understanding and support every child’s learning journey.
How we measure impact:
- Frequent formative assessment (in class questioning) to identify any gaps in learning and to clarify any misconceptions.
- Knowledge organisers will identify any gaps in learning and teachers will be able to plan and address these to close these gaps.
- The National Curriculum has been broken down across Key Stage 1 and 2 to ensure that key skills and knowledge are taught.
- At the end of each term, teachers will make judgements about pupil’ understanding/application and record these on our assessment system, Pupils will be judged at working towards, at, or beyond these age-related expectations.
Skills Wheels
Documents