Science is the study of our world and how it works.
Science includes:
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Biology which is the study of life and living organism such as plants and animals (including humans)
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Chemistry which is the study of the properties of matter and how matter (solids, liquids and gases);
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Physics which is the study of the relationship of objects, energy and forces. It includes electricity, astronomy, motion, waves, sound and light.
At Chorlton Park, we deliver a science curriculum which builds on children’s curiosity of the world around them. We ensure that children acquire the key knowledge set out in the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage and the National Curriculum and develop a high level of scientific vocabulary. Through different types of enquiry, children develop scientific skills which increase in complexity as children move through school. By the end of Key Stage 2, our aim is that children have acquired the necessary scientific knowledge and skills to design, carry out and evaluate their own scientific enquiry to answer their own questions. We encourage children to make connections and where appropriate link our scientific learning to the Big Idea and other subjects.
At Chorlton Park we believe that all children have a right to a good quality education (Art. 28 UNICEF Charter) and should have an opportunity to access the curriculum of their year group so they can become inquisitive scientists. We adapt our curriculum and pedagogy to meet the needs of all of our children, particularly those of children with SEND. In science, we ensure that all children are given the opportunity to access, investigate and explore scientific knowledge and enquiry at a level that is appropriate for each individual child’s needs.
Science begins in Early Years, where we provide opportunities for children to build on their own scientific curiosity through the continuous provision. Science is embedded in the Early Years curriculum and taught especially through learning about the world around them. Throughout Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, children have weekly science lessons. Science is planned and taught in topic blocks, linked where appropriate to our Big Idea. The National Curriculum provides a structure for mapping out scientific objectives with clear progression and children have the opportunity to build on prior knowledge as they move through school. Across all years we develop metacognition to ensure all children build upon their learning. We use knowledge organisers to set out the key ‘sticky’ learning and topic specific vocabulary and refer to these throughout the topics. We use various online programmes and resources to support with the teaching and learning of science across school. Furthermore, we use low-stakes testing and continuously ‘bridge back’ to prior learning to aid retrieval practice.
We further ignite children’s curiosity and passion for science through the use of practical investigations, first hand observations and visitors or trips. Where applicable, we use our outside environment to stimulate and support scientific learning.