Science

Learning new vocabulary helps me understand the new things I’m learning in science.

At the Federation of Oxford Road Community School and Wilson Primary School, our vision is to ignite pupil’s curiosity and foster a thirst for knowledge. All children will explore and investigate scientific concepts and theories to become confident, lifelong learners who continue to explore and question the world around them. 

Science Overviews

 Curriculum Intent

Our Science curriculum aims to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena and an understanding of how the scientific contributes to our past, present and future. At Oxford Road Community School, we use Kapow Science scheme to teach Science.

We want pupils to develop a complex knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, but also adopt a broad range of skills in working scientifically. The scheme of work is inclusive and meaningful, so all pupils may experience the joy of science and make associations between their science learning and their lives outside the classroom.

Curriculum Implementation

In order to meet the aims of the National curriculum for Science, we have identified the following key strands:

Scientific knowledge and understanding of:

• Biology - living organisms and vital processes
• Chemistry - matter and its properties.
• Physics - how the world we live in ‘works’

Working scientifically - processes and methods of science to answer questions about the world around us.

Science in action - uses and implications of science in the past, present and for the future.

Pupils explore knowledge and understanding through engaging activities and an introduction to relevant specialist vocabulary. ‘Working scientifically’ skills are integrated with conceptual understanding rather than taught discretely. This provides frequent, but relevant, opportunities for developing scientific enquiry skills. Practical activities aid in the progression of individual skills and also provides opportunities for full investigations.

Knowledge organisers for each unit help to identify key curriculum knowledge and skills, as well as vocabulary.

Strong subject knowledge is vital for staff to deliver highly effective teaching. The Kapow scheme supports teacher CPD and provides additional resources for this.

 Curriculum Impact

Throughout each unit of science, teachers monitor learning, and address misconceptions through a variety of both formative and summative assessment opportunities; assessing pupils against the learning objectives and any relevant scientific enquiry skills. Opportunities for children to communicate using scientific vocabulary will also form part of the assessment process in each unit.

Pupils should leave school equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge to succeed further in Science and support future learning. They will have the necessary tools to confidently and meaningfully question and explore the world around them as well as critically and analytically experiencing and observing phenomena. Pupils will understand the significance and impact of Science on society and within their community.