Intent

At Delph School, it is our ambition is to instil an interest, fascination, curiosity and desire to investigate the world we live in. We aim to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Delph pupils will be equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for their futures. The science curriculum promotes curiosity and respect for living and non-living things. By teaching the skills required for children to understand what it means to work scientifically, we will enable all pupils to learn and apply new skills, while learning how they can share a responsibility for our planet, finding ways to live on it sustainably. 

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
      Carl Sagan

Implementation

Every year group will build upon the learning from prior year groups therefore developing depth of understanding and progression of skills. Where appropriate, cross-curricular links are planned for, with other subjects such as Maths, English and Computing. Class Teachers actively promote enjoyment and foster interest of the scientific disciplines; Biology, Chemistry and Physics. By working scientifically, pupils will explore, question, predict, plan, carry out investigations and observations as well as conclude their findings. Pupils learn to present their findings using science specific language, observations and diagrams. Effective modelling by teachers ensures that children are able to achieve their learning intention, with misconceptions addressed when they arise.

In order to support pupils in their ability to retain all key sticky knowledge there are regular opportunities to review the learning taken place in previous topics as well as previous lessons.  At the start of each topic children will review previous learning and will have the opportunity to share what they already know about a current topic. Children are given a Word Aware grids at the start of each topic which contain the vocabulary that they will encounter. By self-assessing at the beginning and end of each topic, pupils can identify for themselves how much knowledge they have gained over the unit: this can then be used by pupils as a reference document.

Effective CPD and moderation opportunities are available to staff to ensure high levels of confidence and knowledge are maintained. To support teaching, teachers access a range of virtual and practical resources from Saddleworth High School. High quality resources ensure that Science investigations are engaging for all pupils.

Educational visits and visitors are planned to link to learning where possible, to enrich and enhance the pupil’s learning experiences within the Science curriculum. Science Ambassadors were also selected in Key Stage 2 to complete an exciting project and feedback to peers, raising awareness and engagement across Key Stages

Teachers use formative assessment for learning in each lesson to ensure misconceptions are highlighted and addressed. Learning is planned to meet the specific needs of individual pupils to ensure that they all experience success and a sense of pride in their results. Pupils are regularly given the opportunity for self or peer assessment, which will then be used to inform planning, preparation, differentiation and address misconceptions within that lesson, or for the next lesson.

Impact

The impact of our curriculum design will lead to desired progress over time, across key stages, relative to each child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave Delph School reaching at least age related expectations for Science. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, our Science curriculum will lead pupils to be enthusiastic Science learners and understand that science has changed our lives. Pupils will know that an understanding of Science is vital to the world’s future prosperity. We want to empower our children so they understand they have the capability to change the world. This is evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their work and their overwhelming enjoyment for science.

Across Delph Primary school, pupils have been taken part in the 'Great Science Share!' Working together, across different year groups, pupils have been investigating many different science topics. From pollution and sustainability to making helicopters.