Science
Curriculum Intent
At Wakefield Methodist School, it is our intention to provide a high-quality science education that provides children with the foundations they need to recognise the key role that science plays within our community and the world, and the opportunities that this creates for future careers.
We will deliver a Science Curriculum, built on our principles for science, that:
- Builds upon prior knowledge and a progression of skills to ensure all children have a secure understanding and knowledge of key science concepts.
- Develops creativity and challenges all of our learners through outstanding and inclusive teaching.
- Inspires and excites our children through engaging practical sessions.
- Encourages our children to be self-motivated, independent, curious and resilient learners by developing inquiry-based skills and sessions.
- Encourages children to learn from past and current scientists.
- Encompasses outdoor learning to create meaningful experiences within their natural environment.
Curriculum Implementation
The curriculum is led and overseen by the science curriculum leader, who will regularly monitor, evaluate and review science teaching and learning, celebrating and sharing good practice. Formative assessments will be integrated into every day science teaching to ensure teachers have an in-depth knowledge of the children’s learning and inform their next steps.
The National Curriculum 2014 and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework 2017 provide the basis for our science curriculum, which is then tailored to meet the learning and developmental needs of the children in our school.
The sequencing of science has been developed so that we have a curriculum that builds on prior knowledge and, where appropriate, is revisited within the same academic year.
Teachers will plan science using the PLAN skills document which will allow children to build upon prior knowledge and understanding. The PLAN documents will also outline the Working Scientifically skills, which teachers will use to plan enquiry-based lessons which will support children’s journeys to become independent and resilient learners.
Knowledge organisers will be developed and introduced for teachers and pupils to use for each topic for reference and assessment purposes. This will map out the knowledge, vocabulary and skills needed to master the concepts as well as including suggestions for links to outdoor learning and enquiry-based sessions.
Curriculum Impact
- Our science visions and principles will be evidenced
- Children will become resilient, independent and curious scientists who ask questions and find things out for themselves.
- Science will be a high-profile subject throughout the school.
- Children will be enthusiastic and motivated scientific learners.
- The outdoor area will be utilised regularly throughout science lessons and within the school day.
Click the following links to find out more about our science curriculum