SCIENCE

Curriculum Map

Curriculum Map (by Year Group)

Intent ​

We aim for all pupils at West Acton Primary school to value and enjoy their learning in science. Pupils will have a greater understanding of how important science is for us in our daily lives and strive to be knowledgeable in this subject. Pupils should understand how they are working scientifically in each lesson to build disciplinary knowledge and successfully implement a variety of different scientific approaches including observation, fair testing and experimenting, research, sorting, classifying and pattern seeking. Substantial knowledge is embedded and built on, as our curriculum demonstrates clear progression from early years to KS2 through its content and scientific vocabulary. 

Implementation​

Science is taught weekly in KS1 and KS2 and incorporated throughout the environment as part of the EYFS curriculum. Knowledge organisers and recall grids (for supporting long term memory learning) are included for every topic and address common misconceptions pupils may have about a topic. Teachers explicitly teach scientific vocabulary using visuals, symbols and real-life examples where appropriate. Teachers explicitly teach research skills as part of research. Quality first teaching includes well-modelled tasks and opportunities for talk including asking questions and pupils researching their own answers. New vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching. ​

In EYFS, teachers plan and implement opportunities for pupils to observe and comment on the natural world and forces around them. Teachers capture pupil’s ideas and knowledge through videos and recordings uploaded to Tapestry. 

Impact​

Pupils show a good scientific knowledge being able to talk confidently about topics they have or are currently studying. As a result, they enjoy their science lessons and take delight in sharing their knowledge. Pupil voice has shown that children are confident when using scientific vocabulary and explaining their methods.​

Pupils confidently and enthusiastically show their recall using iPads to complete weekly quizzes, interactive tasks including match ups and vocabulary games.

Cultural Capital

We engage the children through practical, hands-on learning reinforced with the use of the local area, school environment and trips in both London and further afield.​

Trip destinations include: Hounslow Urban Farm, Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve, Kew Gardens, Sealife London Aquarium and the Science museum.​

West Acton Primary School has regularly taken part in the National Science Week to further enhance the science curriculum and excite children’s love for investigation and developing their scientific understanding.​

Children have career talks from professionals working within STEM

Home Learning

Home Learning in science is encouraged through providing parents/carers and children with a wide variety of activities to develop scientific knowledge and understanding. As well as recommended science activities on the school website and newsletters, children all have access to a vast array of interactive science games and learning through Purple Mash which can be used at home.

RESOURCES

West Acton subscribes to several high quality online resources for which a login is needed.  Logins will be provided by your class teacher and are also available to request here.  

Below are details of how each online resource specifically applies to science.

Please be conscious of any potential safety measures. Only attempt with adult assistance.

Resources that do not require logins:

Royal Institution - Maths Masterclasses

West Acton Primary School are proud to organise and host Royal Institution Maths Masterclasses for year 5 students from schools in the local area.  For further information on attending, please contact the school here.