Science

A high-quality science education provides the foundation for understanding the world through the specific discipline of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and its vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. DFE 201

Science Intent

At Thomas Whitehead Academy, our children are SCIENTISTS! Our intent is to give every child a comprehensive and balanced Science curriculum which enables them to confidently explore and discover what is around them, so that they have a deeper understanding of the world we live in. We want our children to love science.

Our aim is to create stimulating and challenging experiences to help every child secure and extend their scientific knowledge and vocabulary, as well as promoting a love and thirst for learning.

We have created a coherently planned and sequenced curriculum using Cornerstones Maestro Curriculum, which has been carefully designed and developed with the need of every child at the centre of what we do.

Science Implementation

At Thomas Whitehead, Science topics are taught within each year group in accordance with the National Curriculum.

Topics are taught in blocks to allow children to focus on developing their knowledge and skills, studying each topic in depth.
Teachers promote enjoyment and foster interest of the scientific disciplines; Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Children explore, question, predict, plan, carry out investigations and observations as well as conclude their findings.
At the start of each topic children will review previous learning and will have the opportunity to share what they already know about a current topic.
Every year group will build upon the learning from prior year groups therefore developing depth of understanding and progression of skills.
Children are given a knowledge organiser at the start of each topic which details some key Science Curriculum Statement information and key vocabulary.
To support teaching, teachers access a range of resources and planning from Cornerstones Maestro and undergo effective CPD and standardisation opportunities to staff to ensure high levels of confidence and knowledge are maintained.
Effective use of education visits and visitors are planned, to enrich and enhance the pupil’s learning experiences within the Science curriculum.
Teachers use effective assessment for learning in each lesson to ensure misconceptions are highlighted and addressed.
Children are given clear success criteria in order to achieve the learning intention with differing elements of independence.
Pupils are regularly given the opportunity for self or peer assessment, which will then be used to inform planning, preparation, differentiation and address misconceptions within that lesson, or for the next lesson.
Cross-curricular links are planned for, with other subjects such as Maths and English.

Science Impact

The impact of this curriculum design will lead to Science being a valued subject, which whilst stands alone, also allows for cross-curricular links. Valuing the subject and ensuring high quality teaching and learning of Science will allow for progress over time, across key stages, relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with our Science curriculum will lead pupils to be enthusiastic Science learners. This will be evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their work and their enjoyment for science.