Science
Science Curriculum Intent
At Rice Lane, we want to make science wonderful, as in
“I wonder why that happens?”
By encouraging a culture of asking questions and seeing not knowing, not as a barrier but as an opportunity to find out. We want to build on the children’s natural curiosity and show them what an amazing universe we share. We firmly believe that a good understanding of scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding helps to support pupils’ work across the curriculum. We want to develop children’s ideas of working that will enable them to make sense of the world they live in. Science is a core subject and we aim for all staff and children to view and value the importance of science.
We will ensure that our science curriculum is accessible to all and that we address any gaps in the children’s learning, to guarantee that the children’s learning can progress. Science is a progression and the children will build on their science knowledge and understanding during their time here.
Our key principles for science at Rice Lane
When designing our principles for science, we considered the qualities of an outstanding primary school scientist.
Somebody who is curious and wonderous- we want children to wonder about the world around them and for them to communicate effectively, in order to formulate scientific questions.
Somebody who is on a quest for answers- we want children to be enthusiastic about discovering things for themselves, suggesting ways to find out more or how to solve a problem.
Somebody who makes practical discoveries- planning and carrying out their own investigations, answering questions/hypotheses and persevering to solve problems. A child who see’s a mistake as a step closer to the answer, rather than a failure.
Somebody who inspires team work- working together to solve scientific problems and find answers. Listening and valuing each other’s scientific experiences.
Somebody who see’s science as a never-ending journey- knowing that there are always questions to be answered and problems to be solved.
Our children will be taught how to understand and use the correct scientific and to give thorough explanations. They will record their finding in different ways to demonstrate their understanding. Ultimately, we aim for our children to leave Rice Lane with an understanding of the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ behind each science concept on our curriculum.
Working Scientifically
In order to become a strong scientist, our children need to practise and develop the skills to work scientifically. We will encourage the children to explore, question and problem solve in order to develop curiosity and carry out independent investigations, to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
- Observation over time
- Pattern seeking
- Identifying, classifying and grouping
- Comparative and fair testing
- Research using secondary sources
Key Concepts of Science at Rice Lane
Our science curriculum has been designed and sequenced to fit the national curriculum aims and to allow the children to build upon their knowledge from EYFS to year 6.
In order to become a strong scientist, our children need to practise and develop the skills to work scientifically. We will encourage the children to explore, question and problem solve in order to develop curiosity and carry out independent investigations, to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Our key concepts are as shown below:
- Pattern Seeking
- Observation over time
- Grouping and classifying
- Using equipment and fair testing
- Research
- Seeking answers to problems through questioning
- Seeking answers to questions through collecting and presenting data
