Science at Brightwell
"We are Scientists"
Curriculum Intent
At Brightwell Primary School, we have chosen to use the Discovering Experts units to form the core basis of our curriculum and it is our intent that this subject is taught in all year groups through one topic every half term.
We aim to give all pupils a strong understanding of the world around them, based on secure subject knowledge and driven by a deep curiosity about the world. Whilst acquiring subject-specific knowledge, pupils develop their skills in thinking scientifically: they learn to ask questions, make observations, apply their previous knowledge and gain an understanding of scientific processes. They develop an understanding of the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Our science curriculum is broad, balanced and linked to our topics where possible. We ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to enjoy and make progress in science through high-quality teaching, access to a range of resources, hands-on experiences and links to Wallingford Secondary School. Scientific vocabulary is built up as the pupils move through the school and is a key part of our learning.
Curriculum Implementation
As a school, we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high quality Science curriculum and, as such, provide lessons that has a sustained focus on scientific skills and progression. The structure of the lessons, using the 5 E’s (Engage, Explain, Explore, Elaborate, Evaluate) ensures a consistency of approach and encourages children to move pedagogically through lessons, units and a whole year’s worth of learning. In each lesson, pupils are given key facts and knowledge through our storytelling approach to learning. Further to this, each lesson offers 5 key words and meanings to learn; vocabulary which is then repeated throughout the lesson and quizzed on at the end.
Scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic our pupils study and these topics are revisited and developed throughout their time at school. All pupils are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations, as well as being encouraged to question the world around them and become independent learners in exploring possible answers for their scientific-based questions. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built up, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged.
Science forms an integral part of our annual STEM week in which pupils learn about famous scientists, follow lines of enquiry, develop their knowledge around a theme and explore real-life applications of science. Visitors and trips are regular complements to our science teaching.
Curriculum Impact
Through the quality first teaching of Science taking place, and through the on-gong assessment opportunities throughout individual Science units, we will see the impact of the subject in different ways. Not only will it lead our children to be enthusiastic science learners who can confidently talk about what they have learnt using subject specific vocabulary, it will also teach them to ask perceptive questions, reason scientifically and work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment. At the end of each unit for which it is appropriate to do so - for example the physics or chemistry strands - pupils may also be asked to plan and conduct an experiment; this ensures they are being given regular opportunities to revisit and revise their skills at working scientifically and helps the storage strength of the material learnt.
Subject leader monitoring acts as an evidence base for the impact of the sequence in place to establish the level at which pupils know more and remember more.
Please see our curriculum overviews on the class pages for further details of what the children are learning.
