Developing Scientists for the future
Science enables pupils to appreciate the wonder of science, enjoying and sharing successes and challenges, enabling pupils to work in teams, small groups and individually, promoting inclusion and positivity for all. Children can flourish, reach and exceed their potential academically in order to become young, confident scientists of the modern world.
The CVSF science curriculum aims to develop a sense of awe and wonder about the natural world so that it promotes curiosity and a recognition that everything in our lives has been touched by science in some way. Children are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what has happened, what is occurring, to use their experiences and growing knowledge to predict what might happen, and analyse causes. It focuses on carefully sequenced components from the three scientific strands of biology, chemistry and physics, and incorporates scientists past and present to inspire children to see that they could make a difference in their future world.
Working scientifically skills are taught throughout each unit. Children develop their skills of observation in the moment and over time, comparative investigation (fair testing), grouping and classification, modelling and research. They learn how to collect and handle data and to discuss anomalous results.
Each science unit is based upon a small question and a big idea and adheres to the structure of the National Curriculum programmes of study for each year group, carefully planned to accommodate the two-year rolling plan for the mixed-age classes. Progression maps clearly set out prior learning and the progressive learning objectives which are also on the knowledge organisers; in addition, these set out key vocabulary and definitions, examples to support learning and a relevant scientist. Wherever possible, meaningful connections are made so the children can recognise the relationships and interdependence between ideas and subjects. Each lesson builds on previous learning. There are also regular opportunities to review and evaluate children’s understanding by teachers and subject leaders.
CVSF are also part of the Ogden Trust Partnership which brings together, under the legacy of Oliver Smithies, several local schools. This collaboration promotes the highest expectations within the subject: it provides competition in scientific enquiry and thinking; and it enables the pupils to have high quality additional-curricular activities and peer review - preparing them for the wider world of science.
