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Science

At our small primary school, we are dedicated to delivering a science curriculum that is both stimulating and adaptable, tailored to the needs of our mixed-aged classes. By employing the Cornerstones curriculum’s principles of Engage, Develop, Innovate, and Express, we aim to provide a comprehensive and inclusive science education that ignites curiosity, builds understanding, and encourages creativity and application across all age groups.

Intent

Our intent is to:

  1. Engage: Capture pupils' interest and curiosity about the natural world through dynamic and interactive science experiences. We aim to make science an exciting and relevant subject, encouraging children to explore and ask questions about the world around them.

  2. Develop: Provide a structured and progressive learning journey that builds on prior knowledge and develops scientific understanding. By following the Cornerstones curriculum’s approach, we ensure that children develop a solid foundation in scientific concepts and skills, tailored to their individual needs and developmental stages.

  3. Innovate: Encourage pupils to apply their scientific knowledge creatively and solve problems in new and inventive ways. We aim to foster an environment where children can experiment, explore different approaches, and think critically about scientific challenges.

  4. Express: Support pupils in articulating their scientific understanding and findings effectively. We emphasise the importance of communication in science, allowing pupils to share their ideas, present their work, and reflect on their learning.

Implementation

  1. Engage: Spark Curiosity and Interest

    • EYFS and Key Stage 1: We introduce scientific concepts through engaging, hands-on activities and sensory experiences. We use the Cornerstones curriculum’s interactive units to stimulate curiosity with activities such as experiments, nature walks, and storytelling that make science accessible and exciting.

    • Key Stage 2: We build on early learning by presenting more complex scientific concepts through stimulating investigations and real-world contexts. We utilise the Cornerstones curriculum’s engaging units to capture children's interest with challenging questions, practical experiments, and relevant applications.

  2. Develop: Build Knowledge and Skills

    • EYFS and Key Stage 1: We focus on developing foundational scientific skills and concepts, including observation, classification, and simple investigations. The Cornerstones curriculum provides clear progression from basic concepts to more complex ideas, ensuring that pupils build a strong understanding of scientific principles.

    • Key Stage 2: We enhance and extend pupils' knowledge with more advanced topics and techniques. We facilitate deeper understanding through structured investigations, data analysis, and critical thinking activities. The Cornerstones curriculum’s progressive units support skill development and conceptual growth.

  3. Innovate: Apply Creativity and Problem-Solving

    • EYFS and Key Stage 1: We encourage creativity and problem-solving by providing opportunities for children to design and conduct their own simple experiments. The Cornerstones curriculum’s units promote inventive thinking through projects that allow children to explore and apply their ideas.

    • Key Stage 2: We foster innovation by challenging pupils to tackle complex problems and develop their own scientific inquiries. We encourage independent and collaborative projects that require creative thinking and application of scientific knowledge. The Cornerstones curriculum’s thematic approach supports exploration and experimentation.

  4. Express: Articulate and Reflect

    • EYFS and Key Stage 1: We support children in expressing their scientific ideas and findings through various formats, such as drawings, verbal explanations, and simple reports. The Cornerstones curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to present their work and reflect on their learning.

    • Key Stage 2: We develop pupils' ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively through written reports, presentations, and discussions. We encourage reflective practices that allow pupils to evaluate their investigations and understand the impact of their findings. The Cornerstones curriculum’s focus on communication supports effective expression of scientific understanding.

Impact

Through our science curriculum, guided by the Cornerstones curriculum’s principles, we aim for pupils to:

  1. Engage Enthusiastically: Show a strong interest and curiosity in science, actively participating in hands-on activities and investigations.

  2. Develop a Solid Understanding: Build a robust foundation in scientific concepts and methods, with the ability to apply their knowledge and skills effectively.

  3. Innovate and Problem-Solve: Demonstrate creativity and critical thinking by exploring new ideas, solving problems, and conducting independent investigations.

  4. Express and Communicate: Effectively articulate their scientific understanding and findings, using various methods to present and reflect on their learning.

End-of-unit assessments enable staff to gauge pupils’ progress and plan for further learning and mastery.

Our vision for teaching science in a mixed-age primary school, using the Cornerstones curriculum, is to provide an engaging, progressive, and adaptable science education that meets the needs of every pupil. By fostering curiosity, developing scientific skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting effective communication, we aim to prepare pupils for a lifelong journey of exploration and understanding in the world of science.