Franciscan - Science curriculum

Curriculum Intent 

It is our intention at Franciscan is to develop in all pupils a lifelong curiosity and interest in the sciences. When planning for the science curriculum, we intend for children to have the opportunity to learn through a variety of investigations and knowledge-based activities with the aim of the children being equipped for life to ask and answer scientific questions about the world around them. Science topics are introduced via an entry point event which creates a wow moment for pupils.  As children progress through the year groups, they build on their skills in working scientifically, as well as on their scientific knowledge, as they develop greater independence in planning and carrying out fair and comparative tests to answer a range of scientific questions. Science topics and our Working Scientifically progression map ensure that children have a varied, inclusive and enriching curriculum that provides the opportunity for progression across the full breadth of the science national curriculum.

Curriculum Implementation

The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. Children learn and retain the important vocabulary and knowledge contained within each topic. The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the year groups with scientific enquiry skills being of key importance within topics covered.  Each lesson has a clear focus with a WALT and WILF. Scientific knowledge and enquiry skills are developed with increasing depth and challenge as children move through year groups. Pupils complete investigations and hands-on activities while gaining scientific knowledge for each unit. Interwoven into the teaching sequence are key assessment opportunities (Ass point 1 Dec-Jan) (Ass point 2 June-July). These allow teachers to assess children's levels of understanding while also providing meaningful tasks for the children to carry out.  The sequence of lessons helps to embed scientific knowledge and skills, with each lesson building on previous learning. There is also the opportunity to regularly review and evaluate children's understanding. 

Curriculum Impact

At Franciscan, progress is measured through a child’s ability to know more, remember more and explain more. This can be measured in different ways. Planned assessment tasks, teacher assessment and pupils voice opportunities enable teachers to look at pupil’s knowledge and understanding and address any gaps in learning. Attainment and progress can be measured across the school using Target Tracker statements and topic benchmarks. The impact of using the full range of resources included in the science unit will also be seen across the school with an increase in the profile of science. The learning environment across the school will be more consistent with science technical vocabulary displayed, spoken and used by all learners. Children who feel confident in their science knowledge and enquiry skills will be excited about science, show that they are actively curious to learn more and will see the relevance of what they learn in science lessons to real-life situations and also the importance of science in the real world.