Science

Science offers pupils the opportunity to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the natural world. The method of scientific enquiry provides a way for pupils to begin to ask questions and work practically to communicate their findings.

Science Curriculum Intent

At Gossops Green, pupils are supported to understand the natural world through practical investigations and a balanced range of scientific skills. Through the study of scientific and development of scientific enquiry skills, pupils are preparing for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

Progressive layering of knowledge, embedded in long-term memory:

Develop key scientific knowledge across the topics of: plants, animals, materials, forces, sound, light, rocks and soils, earth and space
Understanding of scientific specific vocabulary
Develop ability to work scientifically whilst carrying out enquiries
Learn about the life and findings of significant scientists which exemplify curiosity and following the systematic process of scientific enquiry
Pupils will have a curiosity about the world around them

Conceptual Understanding – occurs when new information and ideas are incorporated into pupils’ existing knowledge framework and includes:

To have an appreciation of how science has contributed to the way we live and how science has an impact on the future
With increasing independence, be able to use the scientific methods used by scientists to pose, explore and answer scientific questions
To be able to seek patterns and recognise their significance
To be able to classify by identifying similarities, differences and posing the right questions
To be able to observe changes over time
To be able to research using secondary sources
Know how to carry out practical enquiries safely and systematically
Know how to gather, interpret and present data, showing an understanding of how science uses evidence to support findings.
Be equipped with the skills to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them

Science Curriculum Implementation

To achieve our intent, our Science curriculum will provide the following:

A progressive, sequential journey of knowledge, skills and concepts from EYFS to Year 6, encompassing the depth and breadth of the science curriculum
Opportunities to address cultural capital disadvantage
A focus on subject specific Tier 3 scientific vocabulary to equip pupils with the language to express their scientific knowledge with precision and confidence
Explicit links with high quality examples texts, including models, use of technology and practical resources, to provide contextual links and reinforce scientific knowledge
Key outcomes, described as ‘sticky knowledge,’ which form the foundation of prior and subsequent learning
Higher order, subject-specific questions for pupils to respond to and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
Enhanced learning through memorable experiences and visiting experts
Adaptable approaches that enable all pupils’ opportunities to explore science and experience success
Adapted learning and teaching to support those with additional needs through the pre-teaching of scientific vocabulary, the use of worked examples as models and a focus on creating cross-curricular links between scientific and other subjects
Targeted support for children with English as an additional language including peer collaboration, specific language learning objectives and adaptation based on their current language acquisition
Learning opportunities that encourage children to develop a genuine curiosity in science

Science Curriculum Impact

Pupils will have a curiosity about the world around them

They will have the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future
Pupils will understand that the scientific method of enquiry is an opportunity to form conclusions, appreciating the power of rational explanations
Pupils will fully appreciate the importance of reliable evidence in the scientific approach
They will have the skills and knowledge to select appropriate equipment for enquiry-based learning
Pupils will understand a wide range of scientific vocabulary
They will understand by the end of KS2 that used ethically, science is the key to all innovation, progress and improvement to humankind