Science

Intent – why do we teach what we teach? 
Our science curriculum at Harris Primary Academy Chobham endeavours to not only inform pupils but to inspire them. In line with the objectives stated in the national curriculum, we explore the wonder of science past and present to produce scientifically literate students who are curious about the world around them.  

Our spiral curriculum has been designed to provide students with adequate prior knowledge to ensure their success. Students build on their substantive knowledge by revisiting the same topics but with increasing challenge. This allows teachers to address misconceptions in prior knowledge before children progress. Throughout students' educational journey from EYFS – Year 6, the students are building their ability to apply their knowledge and use procedural skills to work scientifically. In EYFS, students will predominantly look at observations and the idea of noticing patterns and by Year 6, the students will make cross-curricular links to subjects such as computing to find information from sources.  

At Harris Primary Academy Chobham, we encourage children to be inquisitive. Students are given opportunities to link science to real life both inside and outside the classroom throughout the year. We believe that by fostering an interest in science we can guide pupils to pursue careers in science. To support students in their transition to secondary school, we work closely with KS3 coordinators to design a unit of preparation. The students are provided with an opportunity to work in laboratories and familiarise themselves with key scientific equipment and their matching symbols for use in diagrams. 

Implementation – how do we teach what we teach?

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
EYFS	ELG – The natural world Across the year to see observe changes that happen
Y1	Animals including humans - Humans -	Everyday materials I	Everyday materials II	Animals including humans I - Animals	Seasonal changes inc weather	Plants I
	Seasonal changes
Y2	Use of everyday materials III	Animals including humans II	Use of everyday materials IV	Plants II	Living things and their habitats I
Y3	Forces and magnets I	Plants III - pollination & seed dispersal	Rocks & Soils	Plants IV	Animals including humans III	Light I
Y4	Animals including humans IV	States of matter	Sound	Electricity I	Living things and their habitats II	Living things and their habitats II - environment
Y5	Earth and space	Forces II	Properties materials V	Changes of materials VI	Living things and their habitats III	Animals including humans V
Y6	Electricity II	Light II	Evolution and inheritance	Living things and their habitata IV	Animals including humans VI	Transition Unit

In EYFS, the children learn through the natural world ELG. They also engage in forest school to develop their sense of curiosity and wonder for the world around them. By KS1, science is taught explicitly for 1 hour 30 minutes. Forest school is continued to ensure we are building on the foundation of awe that has been created in EYFS. In KS2, science is taught for 1 hour 40 minutes and the children are frequently asked to make cross curricular links to other subjects such as maths and geography.  In KS3/4, students are taught in three strands of science – biology, chemistry and physics. Throughout both primary and secondary school science our students are taught through three strands: Links to real life, working scientifically and practical skill competence.  

All students (including those with SEND) are supported to access the curriculum. This is mostly provided using wave one strategies and scaffolding. Where more support is needed, it can sometimes mean that students access a strand of the curriculum that is more tailored to their attainment levels.  

In addition to the curriculum delivered in class, students across our primary school engage in two outdoor learning days and Science Week activities. Exposure to science outside of the classroom ensures that students see science as something that is all around us. Outdoor learning days are an international initiative to provide students with opportunities to explore the world around them.  At Harris Primary Chobham, we truly cultivate an environment that exposes students to think about how science can have a positive impact on their wider community.  

Impact – how do we know what pupils have learnt and how well they have learnt it? 
Throughout the year in EYFS, teachers are observing students' ability to meet their early learning expectations. They can observe children and their ability to demonstrate their scientific understanding through play, artwork, and writing.  

At the end of each unit, all students in KS1 and KS2 will be expected to meet the National Curriculum objectives. This is evidenced in two ways: substantive knowledge is assessed through the use of low-stakes multiple choice quizzes. These quizzes are adapted for the needs of our students to eliminate literacy barriers and focus on their scientific understanding. Using data analysis, teachers then plan activities to help revisit prior misconceptions. Procedural knowledge is assessed with ACTs (assessment challenge tasks). These tasks are specifically designed so that students are asked to apply their understanding of their substantive knowledge. 

Pupil voice has a central role in assessing impact. Each term, the science subject lead conducts pupil voice and asks children questions about their learning. This helps to identify key areas of improvement that are needed to ensure pupils’ are receiving the best experiences in their scientific journeys throughout primary school.