Science

Intent

At Bankfoot Primary School, our intent for the Science curriculum is to provide a rich, engaging, and comprehensive framework that enables all pupils to develop a deep understanding of key scientific concepts and processes. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, nurture a love for science, and promote critical thinking skills in our pupils. 

We aim to instill a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them, encouraging them to ask questions, investigate, and make connections between scientific ideas and real-life phenomena. We are committed to developing oracy, listening, and articulation skills in our pupils, ensuring they can communicate their scientific ideas effectively and confidently.

Our intent at Bankfoot is to ensure that our science curriculum is ambitious and challenging, yet accessible to all learners regardless of their background or starting point. We strive to develop not only scientific knowledge but also key skills such as observation, prediction, experimentation, and accurate recording of results. 

We promote a growth mindset approach to learning, encouraging pupils to embrace challenges and see mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Our intent also includes a strong focus on inclusion, ensuring that all pupils, including those in the early years, feel valued, supported, and able to participate fully in science lessons. We incorporate assistive technology where needed to provide tailored support for pupils with additional needs.

Implementation

Our implementation of the Science curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that it is coherent, sequential, and progressive. We have structured our curriculum to cover a broad range of topics from biology, chemistry, and physics, ensuring coverage of key scientific concepts at an age-appropriate level. 

Our lessons are carefully planned to incorporate a variety of teaching and learning strategies, including practical investigations, group work, discussions, and use of technology to enhance learning experiences.

We provide regular opportunities for pupils to develop their scientific skills through hands-on experiments, making scientific observations, recording data accurately, and analysing results. Our teachers are subject specialists who are passionate about science and are committed to delivering high-quality lessons that inspire and engage pupils. We make cross-curricular links where relevant to deepen pupils' understanding of how science impacts other areas of life.

Our implementation also includes opportunities for pupils to develop scientific vocabulary, communicate their findings effectively, and make connections between different scientific concepts. We assess pupils' progress regularly through a range of formative and summative assessments to ensure that they are making progress and are supported appropriately. We provide opportunities for pupils to develop their oracy, listening, and articulation skills during scientific discussions, presentations, and group work activities.

Impact

The impact of our  Science provision is evident in the progress and achievements of our pupils. Through our intent and implementation, we have seen a significant improvement in pupils' scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards science. Pupils are more engaged, curious, and confident in their scientific abilities, leading to higher levels of attainment and progress across all age groups.

Our pupils demonstrate a deep understanding of key scientific concepts. They are able to apply their knowledge to new situations and articulate their understanding effectively. They show enthusiasm for science, are keen to explore and investigate scientific phenomena, and are able to work independently and collaboratively to solve scientific problems. Our pupils demonstrate confidence in their oracy skills, actively participating in scientific experiments, discussions and presentations.

Furthermore, our pupils develop important transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication through their study of science. They are well-prepared for the next stage of their education and show a keen interest in pursuing further study or careers in scientific fields. Our inclusive approach ensures that all pupils, including those with diverse needs and in the early years, benefit from our science provision and develop a love for learning about the world around them.
Science curriculum overview