Science

At Upton, we believe that students deserve a broad and ambitious Science curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, which prepares them well for future learning or employment.  Science is an investigative subject where children are encouraged to be critical and creative thinkers, ask questions and be curious about their surroundings. A love of science is nurtured through a whole school ethos and a varied science curriculum.

In school, we use the Plymouth Science Scheme for our curriculum. The curriculum within the scheme is designed around the National Curriculum statements for Knowledge, Working Scientifically and Scientific Enquiry and all learning (substantive and disciplinary) is well structured and sequenced.

Our Science curriculum will give children the opportunity to:

• Develop practical skills by working scientifically;
• Articulate scientific concepts clearly and precisely;
• Remedy misconceptions;
• Understand the nature, processes and methods of Science;
• Understand the uses and implications of Science today and for the future;
• To see connections between subject areas and become aware of the big ideas underpinning scientific knowledge and understanding;
• To use problem solving skills and numeracy within scientific concepts;

The school’s approach to science ensures cross curricular opportunities are also identified and planned to ensure contextual relevance. The important link between Science and Global Citizenship is explored throughout the curriculum to ensure children gain a greater insight into global issues, developing their knowledge and concern for the environment and their commitment to sustainable development.

 

Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving high standards in science and can become Scientists. Using the Plymouth Science Scheme, learning across the school includes:

• Pre learning, from previous year groups and lessons.
• Cross curricular links across modules
• All learning is shared with children including explicit objectives for knowledge, working scientifically and scientific enquiry
• Embedded working scientifically assessments
• Hands on learning in each lesson
• Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction including modelling, scaffolding, mini quizzes, recapping, revisiting knowledge are used to support children and address any gaps in knowledge
• Knowledge quizzes at the end of each unit are used and teachers complete an assessment spreadsheet to identify where further consolidation may be required.
• Differentiation in working scientifically skills.
• Lessons and resources from the scheme are adapted to provide appropriate challenge to all learners, in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.
• Events, such as Science Week, allow all pupils to come off-timetable, to provide broader provision and the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills.

 

As a result of the curriculum implemented:

• Children will become resilient, independent and curious scientists who ask questions and find things out for themselves.   
• Children will be enthusiastic and motivated scientific learners
• Children will have an awareness of the full range of scientific careers and pathways available to them and will be keen to pursue STEM subjects at secondary school.  
• Children will leave for secondary school equipped with the science knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their further education.