At Beacon View Primary Academy, our science curriculum gives all our children a more in depth understanding of the world around them. When children are studying science at the primary level, they acquire specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic, with the aim of helping ah young scientists to answer questions about the world around them. Topics are revisited and developed throughout their time with us. The ‘big ideas of science’ are taught and studied again in greater depth throughout Key Stage 2 for example the fact objects can affect each other at a distance is taught in EYFS using magnets whilst in Year 5 this develops children's understanding of gravity and the gravitational force between objects. This model allows children to build upon their prior knowledge and increases their enthusiasm for the topics.
All children are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations. Specialist vocabulary is taught and built up, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged.
We develop the following types of scientific enquiry: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (through controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources. We aim, through our teaching, for our children to develop an interest and enthusiasm for Science, seeing themselves as scientists.
The wider science curriculum, including trips and visitors aim to make science accessible to all pupils, especially to those from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to develop their scientific abilities so that they are aware of the vast career options available to them in various scientific fields.
We use the United learning Science Curriculum which is adapted to our local context.