Science

Our intention when planning and delivering the science curriculum at Wincanton Primary School is to make children critical thinkers applying their scientific vocabulary and skills. We intend for children to learn through child led experiments and investigations to deepen their understanding. Children use pattern seeking to further their thinking and to question their existing knowledge. The sequence of learning builds on their prior knowledge and shows clear progression. Pupils learn about scientists in all fields of Science to understand the variety of Science careers available to them.

From EYFS, children develop their substantive science knowledge through simple enquiry-based questions, observations and class investigations that allow them to make links to previous learning.  Enquiry based questions ensure that children of all abilities are sufficiently challenged through high expectations. Our main threads focus on:

• Animals, including humans
• Plants
• Materials
• Living things and their habitats

In addition, further threads run through multiple year groups relating to:

• States of matter
• Forces
• Electricity
• Rocks and soil
• Light
• Seasonal changes

We have implemented this through science days based on the theme of flight this year, which gave the children opportunities to deepen their knowledge on pattern seeking and allowing the children to have child led investigations. We will continue to implement this as our curriculum is sequential and is built upon over the year and year groups, which is evident through knowledge organisers, knowledge checkers and through quizzes. The planning is thorough and has logical sequencing. We assess the children’s knowledge and understanding at the start and end of each unit, to show their progression. Our curriculum will enable children to become enquiry-based learners collaborating through researching, investigating and evaluating experiences. It will encourage respect for living organisms and for the physical environment. 

The impact of our curriculum builds on prior knowledge and children take ownership of their own investigations. Knowledge checkers are showing the children’s progress and their understanding of their own learning and knowledge development. Our curriculum is having a positive impact on the children, which we see through their answers on their knowledge checkers, answers in quizzes, discussions for our Big Questions and through the scientific vocabulary they use confidently.