Intent

At Coulsdon C of E Primary School, it is our intention to recognise the importance of science in every aspect of daily life.  We give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires.  The scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils' knowledge and understanding of the world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry.  It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence. We intend to build a Science curriculum which develops learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge and build a Science curriculum which enables children to become enquiry based learners.  Sequences of lessons are designed by Cornerstones Curriculum and adapted by teachers, building knowledge and skills from Reception to Year 6, and from lesson to lesson.  Linking these science lessons, where possible, to the Cornerstones topics, enables cross curricular links.

Implementation

• A clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the national curriculum, where teaching and learning should show progression across all key stages.
• Children have access to key language and meanings in order to understand and readily apply their written, mathematical and verbal communication of their skills.
• Children use a range of resources to develop their knowledge and understanding that is integral to their learning and develop their understanding of working scientifically.
• Clear and comprehensive scheme of work designed by Cornerstones Curriculum, in line with the National Curriculum, where teaching and learning should plan for practical opportunities within Science lessons.
• Children will reflect on previous learning and cross curricular links will be made wherever possible, and where the science links to the Cornerstones topic, opportunities for anecdotal experiments of learning are made regularly possible.
• Children will build on prior knowledge and link ideas together, enabling them to question and become enquiry based learners.
• Attainment is assessed in line with the plan, assess, do cycle. 

Impact

• Children will become resilient, independent and curious scientists who ask questions and find things out for themselves.
• Science will be a high profile subject throughout the school.
• Children will be enthusiastic and motivated learners.
• Outdoor learning will be utilised where appropriate for science lessons.
• Trips and visitors will often support the learning of science.
• Children will leave for secondary school equipped with the science knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their further education.

Early Years

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum supports children’s understanding of Science through the planning and teaching of ‘Understanding the World.’ Children find out about objects, materials and living things using all of their senses looking at similarities, differences, patterns and change.  Both the environment and skilled practitioners foster curiosity and encourage explorative play, children are motivated to ask questions about why things happen and how things work. Our children are encouraged to use their natural environment around them to explore.  Children enjoy spending time outdoors exploring mini-beasts and their habitats, observing the changing seasons, plants and animals.  Children regularly participate in cookery and baking sessions which allows them to experience changes in state as ingredients are mixed, heated and cooled.