Science
The Science Curriculum at Brentfield:
At Brentfield Primary School, we recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life. We aim to deliver a hands on, enquiry based science curriculum; one that ignites curiosity and creates a sense of awe and wonder, while developing our children’s scientific concept of their world.
The teaching of science is driven by our science principles:
- Spark Curiosity: Every science lesson is an opportunity to develop a sense of awe, wonder and curiosity.
- Foster Scientific Thinking: Children are exposed to and learn to use scientific vocabulary confidently. It is always modelled by staff as well as displayed in the environment.
- Prioritise Practical: We maximise knowledge and skills through child led, hands-on exploration, giving real life examples and using the outdoor environment to contextualise learning wherever possible.
- Promote discussion: We value enquiry and talk time. Children are taught to ask quality questions to challenge theories and further their understanding.
- Inspire: Children learn about scientists. They get to meet real scientists and engineers to see how STEM subjects are used in the work place with the aim of inspiring the next generation and raising aspirations for future STEM careers.
Children are taught to acquire key scientific knowledge and apply scientific skills through a range of hands on experiences. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. Children are taught to make observations and conduct simple tests to explore scientific concepts and are encouraged to report and discuss their findings using scientific language that has been explicitly taught. The link between science and maths is made explicit by encouraging children to apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science, including collecting, presenting and analysing data. Science capital is built upon, celebrated and embedded through an annual science week where children further develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children explore their natural world, making simple observations. They also understand important processes and changes in the world around them. Science knowledge is taught through teacher led carpet sessions and skills are embedded throughout the continuous provision. Children are encouraged to be inquisitive and use a range of skills associated with working scientifically, including questioning, researching and observing for themselves.
In Years 1-6, science is taught in blocks. Topics are informed by the national curriculum and contextualised where possible to our children’s everyday lives, so that learning is meaningful. Topics such as plants, seasonal changes and living things and their habitats are taught throughout the year, and all other topics have been carefully sequenced so that new knowledge and skills build on what has been taught before. This allows children to build upon their prior knowledge and increases their enthusiasm for the topics whilst embedding this procedural knowledge into the long-term memory.
All science lessons include the following:
- Quick recall of the scientific approaches that scientists use to find out more about the world and the skills that enable them to do so.
- Introduction/recap of current topic
- Do Now (reactivate/revisit prior knowledge)
- Introduction to new learning for the lesson including the skills/approaches they will be using.
- Key vocabulary required for the lesson.
- Explicit teaching of knowledge/application of skill.
- Application activity.
At Brentfield, we believe that “the future belongs to the curious; the ones who are not afraid to try it, explore it, poke at it, question it and turn it inside out.” The design of our curriculum enables us to foster this and ensure that our children are prepared for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world, today and in the future.