Science
Science at Kenmont
Intent:
At Kenmont Primary School our science curriculum aims to encourage and challenge our children with their scientific thinking. Children start nursery as natural scientists, with inclinations to question; they display a sense of wonder at the world around them. We aim to maintain and nurture this, ensuring that they leave school with that ability intact as well as acquiring the knowledge that they need in secondary school and the world around them as they grow into adulthood.
The science curriculum is designed to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically; to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of science in the past, present and for the future.
Implementation:
Pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Our curriculum is informed by quality resources produced by a variety of organisations: PLAN primary science assessment resources (Pan-London Assessment Network); the Association for Science Education (ASE); The Teacher Assessment in Primary Science (TAPS) project, Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT); Ogden Trust, Natural History Museum and Explorify.
Concepts are revisited throughout their time at school, going into further detail as children progress through the school. All children are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations. The correct terminology is taught and built upon whilst effective and precise language to communicate ideas is encouraged. We want to challenge and support everyone regardless of ability. To this end, pupils are offered the opportunity to visit museums and exhibitions as well as having institutions and scientists visit (both in person and online).
Impact
We use materials developed by the TAPs project and PLAN primary science assessment resources to evaluate and develop our assessment processes. Evidence is collected not only through looking at planning, books, lesson observations but also through pupil, staff and parent surveys. In addition, we also have exemplification material for Years 1 to 6 to ensure that attainment and achievement are monitored regularly and accurately.
By the end of their period at Kenmont Primary School, our pupils will have:
• A wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry/investigative skills.
• A rich vocabulary which will enable to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.
• High aspirations, which will see them through to further study, work and a successful adult life.
Progression of Skills and Knowledge
Science progression of knowledge and skills document details how our curriculum builds pupils knowledge and skills over their time at the school. Science progression of knowledge and skills document