A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

National Curriculum in England, DfE 2013

Science Curriculum Intent

Science is an important core subject in our school as it provides the foundations for understanding the world. Through building key knowledge, concepts and skills, pupils should be encouraged to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to explain what is occurring through conceptual models and practical activities that progressively build a deep understanding of the science curriculum and ‘Working Scientifically’. 

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding of science
• develop 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 
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. 
   

Science Curriculum Implementation

At Thomlinson Juniors our aim is to enthuse, develop and challenge pupils through an engaging and progressively structured science curriculum and teaching approaches where pupils are given the opportunities to question, enquire and discover. Our children want to learn through experiences and by discovering ‘what happens when...?’

The National Curriculum for Science is used as a framework for science content, skills and pupil expectations at our school. To support our key principles, we will deliver this curriculum through: 

• A skills-focussed approach to teaching that ensures an appropriate and flexible challenge within the classroom. This approach is called ‘dual objective planning’ (see Science Handbook for details). The Science National Curriculum states that “Working and thinking scientifically … must always be taught through the substantive science content”. This is supported by the explicit use of dual objective planning.
• Conceptual threads called ‘science models’ that link topics and support progressively deeper learning. There are four science models that span the curriculum (see Science Handbook for details),
• Five key science skills that support both knowledge / conceptual development and Working Scientifically to match pupil performance to national Key Stage expectations.
   

Science Curriculum Impact

Science assessment is on-going and formative. It happens in the classroom as part of the normal teaching process. It informs lesson pitch, differentiated intervention and future planning. The key document to support this process is the Science Assessment Board which provides criteria matched to year group expectation.

Inclusion in Science

At Thomlinson Junior School, we aim to enable all children to achieve to their full potential. This includes children of all abilities, social and cultural backgrounds, those with disabilities, EAL speakers and SEN statement and non-statemented.
We place particular emphasis on the flexibility technology brings to allowing pupils to access learning opportunities, particularly pupils with SEN and disabilities. With this in mind, we will ensure additional access to resources and technology is provided throughout the school day and in some cases beyond the school day.