Curriculum Intent

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.

At Rolleston Primary School, we understand that science is fundamental to our pupils understanding of the world in which they live and that a solid foundation in science will benefit them in all areas of their education. We intend to foster a love of science by exposing our children to the wonders of the scientific world through: quality first teaching, research and the use of ICT and engaging practical investigations. 

Implementation

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:
 develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
 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.

To ensure that these aims are achieved at Rolleston Primary School we have developed an expansive and progressive curriculum allowing children to build upon prior knowledge as they move through key stages. Teachers use the National Curriculum to help with their planning and ensure that all statutory requirements and met. This is achieved using a range of teaching and learning methods and ensures our pupils have a solid understanding of both substantive knowledge (the products of science such as concepts, laws, theories and models) and disciplinary knowledge (the practices of science, referred to as "working scientifically" in the NC).

Impact

The profile of Science at Rolleston has been high for many years now. Our pupils look forward to the exciting and practical nature of their lessons and there are countless examples on Twitter of pupils experiencing the wonder of science first hand. The impact of our science curriculum is perhaps best illustrated by the response of a year 5 pupil in the subject leaders last round of pupil voice interviews. When asked "What is science?" The child simply responded, "Science is magic."