At Wellesbourne scientific enquiry is at the core of our science lessons from EYFS to Year 6. Our intention is for our children to develop an intrinsic desire to question the way the world around them works. We want our children to remember more, understand more and do more. 

Science is a unique opportunity for children to explore, discover and investigate the world around them.
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.

The aims of science at Wellesbourne are:

• to deliver a curriculum which is accessible to all and that will maximise the outcomes for every child so that they remember more, understand more and do more. As a result of this they will
• to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics;
• to 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;
• to be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
• to develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.

Through high quality teaching, we intend to develop the following essential characteristics amongst our scientists:

• inquisitive – throughout their time at the school and beyond;
• healthy curiosity – about our universe and promotes respect for the living and non-living.

The nature, methods and processes of Science:

‘Working scientifically’ is not taught as a separate strand to our children. ‘Working scientifically’ is embedded within the subject’s content whereby pupils focus on key features of scientific enquiry so that they learn a variety of approaches to answer scientific questions. These types of scientific enquiry will include:

• Observing over time.
• Pattern seeking.
• Identifying.
• Classifying and grouping.
• Comparative and fair testing.
• Research using secondary sources.

‘Working scientifically’ is taught throughout each unit. We provide the children with plenty of opportunities to develop their skills in science lessons. The children will be exposed to a variety of practical activities that allow their skills to develop further.

Vocabulary Rich Environments:

Our science curriculum aims to reflect the importance of spoken language in pupils’ development across the whole curriculum. We believe strongly that the quality and variety of language that pupils hear and speak are key factors in developing their scientific vocabulary and articulating their scientific thoughts clearly and precisely. We assist children in making their thinking clear, both to themselves and others, and we ensure pupils build secure scientific foundations by using discussion to probe and remedy understanding.

 

The following documents provide an overview of the Science Curriculum.

Science Progression in Skills (document opens in new window)

Science Curriculum Map  (document opens in new window)