Enjoy achieving together…to be the best that we can be!
Curriculum Intent
At Usworth Colliery Primary School, our pupils learn best through experiential learning therefore our Science curriculum is built around this.
Our pupils learn Science through real-life, hands-on experiences that broaden and raise aspirations as well as support the acquisition of new Scientific disciplinary and substantive knowledge. We want our children to be curious and have a thirst for knowledge throughout their time at our school leading then to become life-long learners. Our Science curriculum fosters a healthy curiosity in children about our world and beyond and promotes their respect for the living and non-living. We endeavour to challenge and inspire pupils through the use of a variety of fun and exciting learning opportunities, both in and out of the classroom through the use of: practical enquiry, scientific visits, visitors, STEM week, STEM competitions and learning about past and current real-life scientists and their discoveries.
Our intention is to ensure that we support the development of strong basic skills within both the ‘working scientifically’ element and the ‘knowledge of Science’ and that these are developed progressively across school to ensure deep knowledge and understanding. We want our children to learn the possibilities for careers in Science and we aim to achieve this by learning from and working alongside professionals, ensuring that children have access to positive role models within the field of Science from the wider local community. From this exposure to a range of different Scientists from various backgrounds, all children feel they are Scientists and are capable of achieving in the subject and in their future lives.
Implementation
The National Curriculum is used to ensure correct coverage and progression of Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2 whilst the Early Years Framework is used for Reception. Base and Thrive units use the Equals Curriculum in line with the needs of the children. The curriculum overview is clearly sectioned into the 3 mains Science disciplines: Chemistry, Biology and Physics. These disciplines are revisited over the years to ensure children are building upon prior knowledge, remembering more and therefore learning more. Science in Reception is recorded using Seesaw and in Key Stage 1, floor books are used to showcase learning. Key Stage 2 pupils are expected to record their work more formally in preparation for working more independently.
Staff pose precise and challenging questions to support and assess the children which will also enable learning to be inclusive. They begin and end each unit with a retrieval task, with lessons in-between start with a ‘Bright Idea’ to instil curiosity. Pupils are offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities, visits, trips and visitors to inspire them. These complement and broaden the curriculum as well as the outdoor learning opportunities we offer through Forest School. Pupils will also learn about scientists which may inspire them in their future choices which links directly to one of our core school values – aspiration.
Impact
The impact of our Science curriculum at Usworth Colliery Primary School is clear. Science education supports our pupils to achieve their academic and social potential. By the end of Y6, all of our children should have met the key outcomes of our Science curriculum and therefore acquired the skills and knowledge to help lay the foundations for understanding the world and becoming successful problem solvers with a thirst for knowledge. Our engagement with the local area and the school environment ensures that children learn through varied and first-hand experiences of the world around them. They will also have developed a keen interest and understanding of how Science and STEM impacts and shapes our everyday lives, and how a career within STEM is accessible regardless to them.
