Our science curriculum draws on the work of ‘Plymouth Science,’ whose mission is to provide schools with the expertise and resources needed to teach a full and robust science curriculum that engages learners through practical, evidence-based pedagogy. It is our intention for our science curriculum to support the development of our three school values of care, courage and cooperation in our children.

Care:                                                                                                                          

  • Children are taught to look after the world around them by having a secure knowledge of different scientific topics, including animals, habitats, plants, seasons. They learn how their actions can have a positive impact.
  • The curriculum encourages respect for the achievements of scientists of the past and children are encouraged to build upon or challenge their ideas.
  • An understanding of the impact of climate change and the importance of sustainability in supporting our environment and life on Earth is developed.
  • Children learn to appreciate the importance of caring for themselves through topics such as the human body.
  • The curriculum supports children to respect each other’s ideas and work together.
  • Enrichment opportunities foster an appreciation of the work within our local community through links with The Francis Crick Institute, Hampstead Heath, London museums, Camley Street Nature Park and Kentish Town Farm.

Courage:                                           

  • Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them, ask their own questions and pursue their own ideas.
  • They are supported to take risks within their own investigations.
  • Children are given opportunities to gain confidence in communicating their ideas with others and share their findings.
  • The curriculum exposes children to a wide range of scientific vocabulary that has been carefully chosen and is built upon each year at school – this supports them in confidently expressing their ideas.
  • Opportunities are given to challenge existing ideas and theories of the past.
  • Children analyse their own work, reflect upon enquiries and learn how to improve their results.
  • They undertake different enquiries and try new approaches to help them answer their questions.
  • Opportunity is given for children to share their own feelings about what may be happening in the world, what change they would like to see and how they can help achieve this.

Cooperation:                                                                                                              

  • The curriculum supports children to build on on other people’s ideas – whether this is other learner’s in the classroom or other scientists working in the field.
  • Children share their ideas with each other and understand the importance of this in developing and strengthening ideas.
  • They share their results and findings, understanding how this takes place in the ‘real world’ and how it helps improve our collective understanding of the world.
  • Children regularly undertake group investigations and take on different roles where needed, working cooperatively with one another.

For further information about our science curriculum, including its implementation and impact, or to see an overview of topics taught, please see the related documents section of this page for our whole school science curriculum map and science curriculum policy.