Science

Science

We encourage the children to enjoy science and become inquisitive about the world around them. It is our hope that the children will leave us in key stage 2 with a love of science, aware of the many ways that it fits into the world around us and with the skills necessary to be independent thinkers and problem solvers. 

Science is taught discretely, with one half day per week dedicated to the teaching of it.  In addition, units of scientific knowledge are also explored during whole class reading sessions.

The children focus on one unit each half term to build their biology, chemistry or physics knowledge, whilst also developing their working scientifically skills. We feel it is important to have a balance between knowledge based learning and practical enquiry.

The curriculum is arranged to ensure children acquire and develop the key knowledge identified within the National Curriculum. Units of learning are revisited throughout their time at Radford to be sure that scientific knowledge is embedded and built upon each year. As part of our science curriculum, we also work hard to build children’s scientific vocabulary. This is displayed in the classroom by showing children ‘words we will learn’ and ‘words we have learnt’ to use as a regular reference point.

Our planning includes investigations and problem solving opportunities that allow the children to ask questions, discuss ideas and apply their knowledge and scientific skills. Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess pupils regularly so that they can provide extra support or challenge. Working scientifically skills are built on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.

Science Recovery Curriculum

Following the period of school closure during Spring and Summer 2020, we have devised a recovery curriculum to ensure that all children still have access to the full science curriculum. 

Where possible, any missed or incomplete content will be linked to new learning under a similar topic, usually science but in some cases theme or PSHE too. For further details please see the Recovery Curriculum Long Term Plan below. 

Science Knowledge Organisers