At Bowdon Church School, our science curriculum is designed with a clear intent to nurture children’s natural curiosity and develop their understanding of the world around them. We believe that science education should inspire students, foster critical thinking, and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for their future learning and lives.

Core Objectives of Our Science Curriculum:

1. Fostering Curiosity and Enquiry:

   • We aim to instil a sense of wonder about the universe in our students, encouraging them to ask questions and engage in scientific exploration. By promoting a culture of enquiry, we help children learn to think critically and creatively.

2. Developing Scientific Knowledge and Skills:

   • Our curriculum focusses on equipping children with the foundational knowledge and skills in four key areas:
     • Scientific Methods: Understanding the processes scientists use to investigate the world.
     • Techniques and Apparatus: Gaining proficiency in using various scientific tools and techniques, including making precise measurements.
     • Data Analysis: Developing the ability to analyse data, recognise patterns, and draw logical conclusions.
     • Evidence-Based Reasoning: Learning how to use scientific evidence to support claims and develop explanations.

3. Encouraging Resilience and a Growth Mindset:

   • We want our students to embrace challenges as opportunities for learning. By allowing them to make mistakes and learn from them, we help build resilience and investigational skills that are essential in science and beyond.

4. Providing Hands-On Experiences:

   • We are committed to ensuring that all children have opportunities for practical, hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and allow them to explore different environments.

5. Promoting Aspirations in Science:

   • By involving parents and community members with careers in science, we aim to inspire students and broaden their horizons regarding future possibilities in STEM fields.
   • All children are inspired by our curriculum, regardless of their background or ability. Children with SEND aspire to excel in Science, as well as those with EAL.

6. Integrating Health Education:

   • Our science curriculum includes a focus on health education, discussing the importance of maintaining healthy bodies and minds, and addressing mental health issues.

7. Encouraging Play and Exploration:

   • We recognise the value of free play and exploration in fostering creativity and problem-solving skills, encouraging children to engage with a variety of materials and equipment.

At Bowdon Church School, we implement our science curriculum through a structured yet flexible approach that prioritises student engagement, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary connections. Our teaching strategies are designed to foster a positive attitude towards science, ensuring that all children can achieve high standards in scientific understanding and enquiry.

Key Strategies for Implementation:

1. Positive Classroom Environment:

   • Teachers cultivate a positive attitude towards science by reinforcing the belief that all students are capable of high achievement. This environment encourages students to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for learning.

2. Knowledge-Led Structure with Practical Investigations:

   • Science topics begin with a strong knowledge-led framework, providing students with essential scientific concepts before moving into hands-on investigations. This approach allows children to apply their knowledge in meaningful contexts, reinforcing their understanding.

3. Discrete and Interdisciplinary Teaching:

   • While science is primarily taught as a discrete subject, teachers make intentional links to other subjects, such as English (for scientific writing), Geography (for environmental studies), and Music (for sound and acoustics). This integration enhances relevance and deepens understanding.

4. Engaging Lessons and High-Quality Resources:

   • Teachers design engaging lessons that utilise high-quality resources and materials to enhance students’ understanding of complex concepts. This includes the use of interactive demonstrations, experiments, and multimedia presentations.
   • Teachers use adaptive teaching to ensure that children who are SEND or EAL are able to progress and thrive in their Scientific skills and knowledge.

5. Workshops and Community Links:

   • Through various workshops, field trips, and interactions with science experts, students gain insights into the relevance of science in everyday life and its impact on the future. Partnerships with organisations such as the STEM Association help students explore potential career paths in science.

6. Encouraging Enquiry and Independent Investigation:

   • Classrooms are equipped with displays that encourage students to pose their own scientific questions and design their own investigations. Students are empowered to ask questions, engage in problem-solving, and explore scientific concepts independently.

7. Project-Based Learning:

   • Science is taught in planned topic blocks, allowing for a project-based approach that fosters deeper understanding. This strategy enables students to engage in comprehensive studies of scientific topics, culminating in projects that showcase their learning.

8. Use of Technical Vocabulary:

   • A strong emphasis is placed on using appropriate technical vocabulary throughout lessons. Teachers introduce new terms directly and encourage students to incorporate them into their discussions and investigations.

9. Regular Assessment and Feedback:

   • Teachers conduct regular assessments to identify learning gaps and provide immediate feedback to students. This formative assessment approach ensures that all students are progressing and receiving the support they need.

10. Skill Development Across Years:

    • The science curriculum is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in previous years. As students advance, they become more proficient in using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.

11. Embedding Disciplinary Knowledge:

    • Disciplinary knowledge skills are embedded into lessons to ensure that students are consistently developing their scientific enquiry skills throughout their education. New vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced progressively, aligned with the topics being studied.

The impact of our science education program is evidenced through the development of confident, articulate students who can apply scientific reasoning to solve problems and engage thoughtfully with scientific concepts. The following points outline the key outcomes we expect from our science curriculum:

Key Outcomes of Science Education:

1. Confident and Articulate Learners:

   • Students demonstrate confidence in expressing their scientific understanding and reasoning. They are articulate in discussing scientific concepts and can engage in discussions with peers and adults alike.

2. Curiosity and Enquiry:

   • Children exhibit a strong curiosity about the world around them, often asking insightful questions related to their learning. This inquisitive nature is nurtured through hands-on experiences and exploratory learning.

3. Awareness of Local and Global Issues:

   • Students develop an understanding of both local and global environmental issues and the scientific principles that underpin them. They recognise the importance of science in addressing challenges such as climate change, conservation, and sustainability.

4. Environmental Stewardship:

   • There is a demonstrated commitment to caring for local habitats. Children understand the significance of preserving biodiversity and the role they play in protecting their environment.

5. Aspiration for Science Careers:

   • Our program fosters aspirations in students to pursue careers in science. Exposure to role models and real-world applications of science inspires students to consider scientific fields in their future educational and career paths.

6. Resilience in Learning:

   • Students approach experimentation with enthusiasm and resilience, showing a willingness to learn from unexpected results. They understand that failure is a part of the scientific process and are encouraged to adapt their hypotheses and methods accordingly.

7. Formative Assessment and Feedback:

   • Ongoing formative assessment is integrated throughout the year. Teachers provide constructive feedback, addressing misconceptions and reinforcing understanding. Progress is measured by a child’s ability to know more, remember more, and explain more, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of scientific concepts.

8. Consistent Learning Environment:

   • The learning environment is characterised by consistent use of scientific technical vocabulary. This vocabulary is displayed, spoken, and utilised across all year groups, helping to reinforce language skills alongside scientific knowledge.

9. Engagement and Relevance:

   • Children who feel confident in their scientific knowledge and enquiry skills display excitement for science. They actively seek to learn more and can relate what they learn in the classroom to real-life situations, recognising the importance of science in their everyday lives.

10. Rich Subject Knowledge and Broad Skills:

    • The culmination of our science curriculum is a generation of students who possess a rich understanding of science and a broad range of skills. They are equipped to think critically about how the world works and their role in shaping its future.

The impact of our science curriculum extends beyond academic achievement; it shapes well-rounded individuals who are curious, engaged, and prepared to tackle future challenges. By nurturing a passion for science and fostering an environment where enquiry thrives, we aim to instil a lifelong appreciation for the subject and its relevance in understanding and improving the world around us. Our ultimate goal is to empower children to become informed, responsible citizens who can think critically and advocate for positive change in their communities and beyond.

Our internal and statutory assessments for Science reflect our strong practice: 

Expected+ in Year 1 (2023/2024) - 95.0% 

Expected+ in Year 2 (2023/2024) - 96.0% 

Expected+ in Year 3 (2023/2024) - 98.0% 

Expected+ in Year 4 (2023/2024) - 100% 

Expected+ in Year 5 (2023/2024) - 99.0% 

Expected+ in Year 6 (2023/2024) - 96.0% 

90.0% of pupils with SEND across the school achieving expected +

100% of pupils without SEND across the school achieving expected +

87.0% of disadvantaged pupils across the school achieving expected +

98.0% of non-disadvantaged pupils across the school achieving expected +

99.0% of EAL pupils across the school achieving expected +

97.0% of non-EAL pupils across the school achieving expected +