It is our intention at Eastcote, that in teaching science through the philosophy of the IB and the Primary Years Programme (PYP), all our pupils, regardless of need and background, become active, global citizens who make a positive contribution to their community and the world. We intend that through the study of science our pupils will learn how they can change the world for the better and in doing so prepare each student for their next phase of education. We aim to create an excitement in learning about science so that our pupils will be inspired to be tomorrow’s environmental scientist, chemist, or meteorologist.
Science provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Through the teaching of science we aim for pupils to:
- be stimulated, excited and curious about phenomena and events in the world around them.
- be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future
- develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- be able to apply their scientific understanding in their lives and know that science can bring change to the world around us.
- develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge and be confident to ask questions and investigate to find answers to enquiries (with increasing emphasis on these enquiries being self-initiated).
- be able to use scientific language confidently and appropriately.
- understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
- use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts.
Our science curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced so pupils retain and build on their knowledge, skills and understanding.
Through the Primary Years Programme (PYP) the science curriculum has been mapped within the six key transdisciplinary themes. There is a clear and comprehensive progression of skills and knowledge document for science from Nursery to Year 6, which teachers refer to when planning. This model allows children to build upon their prior knowledge and increases their enthusiasm for the topics whilst embedding this procedural knowledge into the long-term memory.Our curriculum mapping also enables pupils to deepen their understanding of complex, abstract concepts, such as prediction, experiment or conclusion, by revisiting these concepts over time. This layered approach supports children in embedding their knowledge over time and integrates new knowledge into larger concepts. Teachers check learners’ understanding systematically, and are knowledgeable in the misconceptions commonly held, using visuals and sources to support children’s developing understanding.
Assessment is used well to check understanding and inform teaching.
We build upon the learning and skill development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, and they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
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. This is developed through the years, in-keeping with the topics.
Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning . The science curriculum enthuses pupils through engaging activities, trips and visitors that give all the children an opportunity to deepen their scientific understanding.
Pupils will be able to retain both substantive and disciplinary knowledge as they revisit and layer their understanding of science. Learners will develop detailed knowledge and skills across the curriculum. Children will be able to select key ideas and significant understanding from the data acquired for a unit of inquiry. By the time they reach upper key stage 2, they can frame genuine, open-ended questions worthy of research. As they conduct their inquiries, children can provide accurate information and valid explanations. They talk enthusiastically and confidently about their learning in science.
Our exciting science curriculum will lead pupils to be enthusiastic science learners who leave Eastcote Primary Academy reaching at least age-related expectations for science.