Science Curriculum

Our school uses the Collin’s Snap Science programme.

This scheme, which was written by a team of curriculum experts is underpinned by great principles:

• Progression leading to big ideas in science
• Developing understanding through Working Scientifically
• Active involvement of children in their own learning

and

• Supports teachers who are not science specialists as well as stretching those who staff who have a specialism in science
• Helps every child achieve by making challenging concepts meaningful for children with carefully pitched activities supported by engaging and interactive resources
• Cultivates a spirit of enquiry in pupils with practical exploration and inspiring investigation activities
• Ensures clear progression within the “big ideas” in science

We use both the Teaching Framework, online resource kit and supporting materials to plan the best possible journey for our children. We follow the suggested long term plan as designed by Snap Science authors; the structure enables effective use of time and ensures children are continually building on their prior learning as they systematically develop their understanding of key ideas and scientific skills.

Several teaching staff have also received Physics training and resources from Ogden Trust which are used across KS2 Physics units to enhance the Snap science materials.

Every lesson in based around a question and starts with Explore activities, designed to catch attention, place the science in context, stimulate children’s questions and provide an opportunity for the teacher to find out what the children already know about the topic.

The main Enquire Challenge provides opportunities for practical exploration, data collection and analysis.

The final stage of each lesson is a Reflect and Review activity where children summarise what they have learned; self and peer assessment is highlighted in many of the plenary sections, reinforcing the principle of supporting the children to be active in their own learning.

Assessment evidence from each lesson is used formatively to determine appropriate next steps for individuals and groups of children.

EYFS

In Reception children follow the educational programmes set out in the EYF Framework 2021. Children learn through exploring ‘The Natural World’ strand of the ‘Understanding the World’ area of learning, which is underpinned by Communication and Language. Children are immersed in experiences and activities through a mixture of play based and adult led tasks that ignite their interest for Science. They find out about animals and plants; observing what they see around them, explore similarities and differences between the natural world and contrasting environments, and look at seasonal changes and growth.