Intent, Implementation and Impact Statement: Science

Intent  

At Northbury Primary School, we seek to provide a science curriculum where pupils are taught key skills and develop expertise within all the scientific disciplines, including working scientifically, to ensure a deeper understanding of the world around them, at an age-appropriate level, in line with the National Curriculum.   

We aim to channel our pupils’ natural wonder and curiosity to engage them into a pursuit of scientific enquiry whilst promoting an inclusive approach, ensuring appropriate challenge and support is provided as required. Throughout the primary years, children should be prepared to think in an analytical and logical way, allowing them to recognise links between their knowledge and the real world, through practical experiments and observations and experiences in the wider world. 

Staff are committed to share and nurture the importance of science as a method of discovery, creating excitement for future possibilities where pupils understand science as a lifelong learning process, applicable to all areas of life.  

Implementation 

At Northbury Primary School, children study science discreetly on a weekly basis covering a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum including Biology, Chemistry, Physics while working scientifically as directed by the National Curriculum. Teachers create opportunities to make cross curricular links to subjects such as Maths, English, DT and PE to embed subject knowledge. STEM week also provides cross curricular Math and DT based links. Real life experiences, in the form of educational visit and workshop as well as STEM week, also further enhances real life and future associations. 

When studying: 

• Children follow a curriculum which is designed to be progressive, building on previous learning. They become more proficient in selecting and using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results with a growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence. 

• Children are introduced and encouraged to use to key scientific vocabulary which is progressive across the school. 
• Pre-unit ‘thought showers’ are created and added to as children are taught more over the course of the unit. 
• Children self-evaluate their knowledge, pre and post a unit, allowing them to reflect on their learning using hot and cold questions.  
• Post unit, children have opportunity to see how their learning is applied in the real world, being exposed to scientists who work within the field the children have studied. 
• Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment and the various skills when working scientifically, in order to embed scientific understanding.  

• Children are given plentiful opportunities to conduct scientific enquiry, with a progressive understanding of: fair testing, research, how to observe over time, noticing patterns and grouping and classifying.  
• Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts. 
• Teachers use precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those with gaps in learning, so that all children progress. 

Impact 

The school has a supportive ethos and encourages a growth mindset approach, allowing children to confidently explore their curiosity about the world around them, both collaboratively and independently. Children have a positive view of science, as it is seen as a subject enjoyed by all. Through our chosen programme of study, children are more confident and develop a clearer scientific understanding. As a result, they are equipped with the appropriate methodology to explore predictions via investigations and appropriate questioning or research.  By the time pupils complete their schooling at Northbury, they are prepared with the skills and knowledge to assertively continue their scientific journey into KS3 and beyond.