Intent:

At Woodvale, our vision is 'everyone thriving' and our Science curriculum aims to foster our three curriculum drivers: developing oracy, embracing cultural richness, and nurturing social intelligence. At the heart of our approach is a belief that science helps children to understand the world around them; our intent for science is that children will:-

• develop secure scientific knowledge and understanding across biology, chemistry and physics
• be curious about the world around them and ask thoughtful scientific questions
• develop the skills required to work scientifically through practical enquiry and investigation
• use evidence to make predictions, draw conclusions and explain their thinking
• develop a rich scientific vocabulary and use it accurately when discussing scientific ideas
• understand the role that science plays in everyday life and the wider world

Oracy is a fundamental driver in our curriculum. Through science, children are encouraged to ask questions, discuss ideas, explain observations and justify conclusions using evidence. Scientific enquiry provides opportunities for pupils to develop their speaking and listening skills whilst using increasingly sophisticated scientific vocabulary. Through discussion and investigation, children learn to communicate their thinking clearly and confidently.

Diversity is another of our curriculum drivers. Science provides opportunities for children to learn about significant scientific discoveries and the contributions of scientists from different backgrounds and cultures. Through exploring the natural world, environmental issues and scientific developments, pupils develop a broader understanding of the world and their place within it. Topics such as conservation, climate change and sustainability help children appreciate global challenges and different perspectives.

Social intelligence is a key focus within our science curriculum. Working scientifically requires children to collaborate, share ideas, listen carefully to others and evaluate evidence respectfully. Through practical investigations and group discussions, pupils develop resilience, cooperation and critical thinking whilst learning how scientific understanding can positively influence communities and society.

Implementation:

At Woodvale, science is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops children's knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and physics whilst building their ability to work scientifically.

There are several features that run throughout all of our science teaching:-

• Building substantive knowledge through carefully sequenced learning across biology, chemistry and physics.
• Working scientifically through observation, investigation, fair testing, pattern seeking and evidence-based conclusions.
• Developing scientific vocabulary explicitly to enable children to communicate scientific ideas accurately and confidently.
• Learning through enquiry where pupils ask questions, make predictions and investigate real-world scientific phenomena.
• Making meaningful connections between science, everyday life and global issues such as conservation and climate change.

Our curriculum ensures that children build upon prior knowledge each year and develop as confident young scientists.

Impact:

We will know that the intent of our science curriculum is successful through:-

• our children demonstrating secure scientific knowledge and understanding
• our children asking thoughtful questions and showing curiosity about the world around them
• our children planning, carrying out and evaluating scientific enquiries effectively
• our children using scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently
• our children drawing conclusions and justifying ideas using evidence
• our children understanding how science influences everyday life and future developments
• our children enjoying science and developing a lifelong interest in the subject

Through science, our children develop curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world around them. They leave Woodvale equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to continue their scientific learning and engage thoughtfully with the challenges of the future.