Science Curriculum Intent

It is our intent at Joseph Turner Primary School for pupils to be fully immersed in every aspect of Science and for them to recognise the importance of Science in daily life. We ensure the teaching and learning of Science has the importance and prominence it deserves by delivering a well-rounded, engaging curriculum. We use Snap Science as our programme of study which enhances our quality first teaching. The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge, understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are developed and extended so that they can be applied when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and confidently explaining scientific concepts.  Science is encouraged to be hands on, investigative and fun. 

Our pupils develop cultural capital by engaging in a wide range of real-life experiences and opportunities. Our lessons require children to engage indoors and outdoors with the features of the real world: real animals, real plants, real food, real tools, real materials and objects. Children are given regular opportunities to visit areas in our outdoor environment and build up a rich understanding of how it changes throughout the year. Cultural capital is developed by making meaningful links to relevant jobs and role models are highlighted during lessons to improve children’s understanding about people in society and their local community. Books and stories are utilised to promote curiosity, as well as enrich and embed key vocabulary. Children also have the opportunity to take part in ‘British Science Week’ each year, engaging in themed activities, visitors or workshops. Further opportunities to develop cultural capital include school trips such as a visit to a local zoo or farm.

Science Curriculum Implementation

Joseph Turner Primary uses the Collins Snap Science scheme to provide a structured and coherent programme of learning that builds progressively through each year and across the school. Snap Science is a clear and comprehensive toolkit for quality first teaching of Science, ensuring coverage of the National Curriculum objectives.  It provides planning alongside videos, animations and slideshows, helping to ensure that the lessons are engaging. Science is taught weekly to ensure that children receive a clear learning journey and develop their skills in an understandable sequence.  It also promotes consolidation and recall. Teachers supplement this with other practical experiences of working scientifically. We aim to inspire and excite children with such activities so that they view scientific learning positively.  Scientific skills and understanding at Joseph Turner will be reinforced by Science focus days and visitors to the school.

Science Curriculum Impact

At Joseph Turner, our pupils will make good progress in their science knowledge, recall and skills, providing them with the foundations for understanding the wider world.  Children will recognise and apply key scientific vocabulary both verbally and written, working collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment. They will be empowered and inspired for a future interest and possible career in science. The large majority of children will achieve age related expectations by the end of the year.