"Science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated" -Rosalind Franklin

Intent

At Crowthorne C of E School, our Science curriculum aims to enthuse children and help them to be curious and develop a sense of excitement about the world. Through a range of teaching, learning and extra-curricular opportunities, children will develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding to recognise the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future. We encourage children to ask their own questions; predict how things will behave and analyse causes, using Science to explain what is happening. 

Our key aims are: 

• All children make sustained progress in Science, securely learning new knowledge and skills and connecting them to prior learning.
• Children learn through practical enquiry.
• Children build positive attitudes to Science and see the relevance of their learning to their lives and how it can help build a better future for all.

Implementation

Our Science curriculum is planned, delivered and assessed using the Snap Science scheme. We use a long-term plan of units which fully cover the National Curriculum Years 1–6 and builds on the Early Learning Goals. This progression sequences conceptual knowledge in Biology, Chemistry and Physics for one year to the

next. 

All lessons have a clear intention and outcome. These are achieved by learning conceptual knowledge and we believe most importantly, hands-on practical Science enquiry. We are fortunate to be well-resourced; we ensure that lessons are delivered using practical real-life equipment and resources. This enables children to clearly understand how Science is all around us in our everyday lives. 

Outdoor Science

We utilise our school grounds whenever possible to effectively teach Science. We have a wooded area which is perfect for bug hunting and learning about our natural world and sustainability. 

Science Partnerships

We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Wellington Prep School (formerly Eagle House School) when teaching the Science curriculum. Key stage 2 classes carry out a series of lessons at the school. This enables our pupils to access exciting resources and opportunities in the school's purpose built Science classrooms. 

Science Week

Each year we celebrate British Science week. In 2024 we had the theme of 'Not all Scientists wear white coats!' We were thrilled to carry out many practical and exciting tasks and investigations over the week. We invited a wide range of visitors into school to talk to the children about how they use Science in their everyday jobs. These visitors included: software programmers/engineers, a neuropsychologist, GP's, horticulturalists and even a member of the armed services in the Royal Signals!

Impact

Teachers assess children's abilities in both scientific knowledge and their ability to work scientifically. These include the use of formative assessments such as the Snap Science 'Snap shots' throughout the unit of work and practical enquiries (TAPS-Bath Spa University) 

At Crowthorne C of E School we want the impact of our Science Curriculum to be that:

• Children build positive attitudes to Science.
• Children are able to see the real-life implications and applications of Science in their lives.
• Children are inspired and confident when carrying out practical enquiries.
• Children understand how Science has shaped our world and will continue to do so in the future.