Science

"Scientists observe, investigate and find the answers to how our world and beyond works" 

Intent  

At Silverdale Primary Academy, we inspire our children to be the best that they can be. We ensure that pupils experience a wide breadth of study, to give them the cultural capital needed for success now and in the future. Science at Silverdale has a clear focus on understanding the world that we live in through observation, investigation and experimentation. Throughout the curriculum, children are made aware of how Science has changed our lives and understand how vital it is for the world’s future success. All pupils, regardless of their starting point, are given the opportunities to deepen core knowledge and to develop a love for Science. 

Implementation 

At Silverdale Primary Academy, core knowledge is revisited and developed throughout the children’s time at school enabling children to deepen this core knowledge and ensure learning is secure in their long-term memory. Vertical concepts are carefully sequenced such as Materials within the Chemistry strand, taught in Early Years, built on in Key Stage One and studied again in further detail throughout Key Stage Two.  This model allows children to build upon their prior knowledge and increases their enthusiasm whilst embedding this core knowledge. Our curriculum ensures that all pupils develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Our Science curriculum also embeds disciplinary knowledge linked to working scientifically.  

When teaching Science at Silverdale you would see; 

• A Unit Overview, which details a sequence of lessons that carefully plan for progression and depth  
• A teacher subject knowledge pack for each unit  
• A knowledge organiser which outlines key knowledge (including vocabulary) for all children to access 
• A sequence of teaching that follows the Rosenshine Principles of Instruction  
• Low stakes quizzes used regularly to support learners’ ability to retrieve and recall knowledge and increase space in the working memory  
• Trips and visits from experts where learning experiences can be enhanced 

Impact 

Our Science Curriculum is high quality, carefully sequenced and is planned to demonstrate progression. We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods: 

• The United Learning Curriculum for science progresses year on year, giving pupils the skills and knowledge that they need to move forward in their learning, alongside opportunities to apply their knowledge to different situations. 
• When children keep up with the curriculum, they are considered to be making expected progress and to have achieved the expected standard for their year group. 
• Tracking of knowledge in pre and post learning quizzes. 
• Pupil discussions about their learning  
• A wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry/investigative skills 
• A greater understanding of the world around them.