Science

At Thurston CE Primary Academy we want to inspire our pupils to ask and answer questions about the world we live in. We ensure that there is a clear progression of skills for working scientifically that can be used to gain knowledge of scientific concepts, many of which build upon each other as children move through the school, covering all the National Curriculum requirements. Our pupils develop transferable skills which equip them for future learning, regardless of the scientific domain being covered. These skills include asking questions, setting up enquiries, observing and measuring, recording, interpreting and reporting, and evaluating.

Our Science curriculum focuses on enabling pupils to gain knowledge by working scientifically. This includes asking questions, setting up enquiries, observing and measuring, recording, interpreting and reporting, and evaluating.

Science is taught on a rolling two-year programme throughout Key Stage One and Two. To embed practical skills, these lessons may support or be supported by additional learning across the curriculum, such as statistics in Maths and the writing of procedural texts in English. Lessons are differentiated by outcome to ensure equal access to knowledge and skills.

The curriculum at Thurston CE Primary Academy enables pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world we live in. We aim to give pupils the ability to ask questions about the world we live in and develop the skills to answer those questions independently.

Science is planned and delivered at a high standard and there are high expectations for pupils in lessons. Types of presentation in Science should be varied but expectations should be high, with writing at the same standard as in English books, and mathematics skills applied with the same strategies and accuracy as in maths books. Opportunities should be given for wider scientific experiences through whole school events such as Science week.

We introduce our Science lessons through knowledge organisers which are referred to throughout our teaching, used as an assessment tool and may be sent home for homework.

Example Science Knowledge Organisers:

Upper Key Stage 2 Science in action: