Science

SCIENCE CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

SCIENCE PROGRESSION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

At Fairlawn Primary School, we believe that a high-quality science education provides children with the foundations they need to understand and make sense of the world around them. Through science, children develop curiosity, ask questions, investigate ideas and learn how scientific knowledge helps us to explain the world we live in.

We want our children to develop a sense of wonder and excitement about science, while building the knowledge, vocabulary and skills they need to become confident young scientists.

Intent

Our science curriculum, using Kapow Primary Science, develops children’s knowledge and understanding across biology, chemistry and physics. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, children build on their knowledge each year while developing the skills needed to work scientifically.

We want our children to:

• Appreciate the importance of science in our everyday lives and the wider world.

• Be curious and ask questions about the world around them.

• Develop secure scientific knowledge and a rich scientific vocabulary.

• Investigate, observe, measure, record and draw conclusions.

• Apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

• Develop resilience, independence and confidence when working scientifically.

Implementation

Science is taught through the Kapow Primary Science curriculum, which provides progressive coverage of the National Curriculum. In Early Years, science is explored through Understanding the World, where children develop their curiosity by observing, exploring and asking questions about the natural and wider world. As children move through the school, their scientific knowledge and skills are progressively developed, building on prior learning and preparing them for future learning.

Children experience a balance of teacher-led learning, discussion, practical investigations, observation, research and scientific enquiry. They are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, gather evidence and explain their findings.

Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited, helping children to communicate their ideas confidently and accurately. We provide practical, hands-on experiences and, where possible, make links to our Forest School and outdoor learning areas, enabling children to explore the natural world and their local environment.

We further enrich our science curriculum through workshops and trips. Each term, we also introduce a Science Hero, giving children the opportunity to learn about inspiring scientists, their discoveries and the impact they have made. These role models help children recognise the diverse range of people and careers within science and inspire them to see themselves as scientists of the future.

Impact

Our science curriculum develops curious, knowledgeable and confident young scientists.

By the time they leave Fairlawn, our children will:

• Have a secure understanding of age-appropriate scientific knowledge.

• Use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently.

• Be able to investigate, record and explain their findings.

• Apply their scientific knowledge to the world around them.

• Work collaboratively, independently and resiliently.

• Have developed a love of science and curiosity about the world.

• Be inspired by scientists and understand the wide range of careers that science can offer.