Bowlee Park uses the National Curriculum for science as the basis of its curriculum planning. This has been adapted to the local circumstances of the school in that we make use of the local environment in our fieldwork.

At Bowlee Park, our science curriculum is based on the key constructs: knowledge, skills, progression and experience. Knowledge, together with skills and opportunities to apply learning, leads to strong progress. Our science curriculum delivers progressive and cumulative knowledge acquisition. Lessons are planned so that there is a carefully sequenced journey through the concept being taught building through small progressive steps.  In recognition of the high quality science teaching and learning in school we achieved the ‘Primary Science Quality Mark’ which is awarded to schools who demonstrate excellence in primary science.

Understanding the world is one of the 4 specific areas of learning in Early Year Foundation Stage. Science makes a significant contribution to developing a child’s knowledge and understanding of the world.  Curriculum content is taught through topics, linked to high quality narratives that develop children’s language and their knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live. Pupils are able to explore challenges that allow them to learn through play in order for children to make sense of the world around them.

During Years 1 to 6, science is taught through weekly subject specific lessons. Wherever possible, links are made between science and other subjects, particularly literacy, maths and computing. As pupils develop knowledge, they need to practise and master the working scientifically skills to allow them to apply this knowledge in a wide variety of contexts. From Foundation stage to the end of Key Stage 2, the skills of working scientifically underpin all science lessons at our school. The working scientifically skills teach children to ask questions, make predictions, set up tests, observe and measure, record data, interpret and communicate results and evaluate investigations. Children learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions. They observe over time; seek patterns; identify, classify and group as well as complete comparative or fair testing. These skills are revisited through each topic and assessed on a termly basis.

At Bowlee Park we develop the pupil’s science capital through the science curriculum which includes trips, visitors as well and enrichment activities. These are integral to learning and enhance pupils’ engagement. We aim to broaden the children’s understanding of what science is and how it applies to everyday life. We do this by teaching about a range of scientists including ones working today and famous figures from history.  One science ambassador is democratically voted to represent each class at Bowlee Park. They champion science within their own classrooms and advocate pupil voice.

In the ‘Science At Home’ section you will find more resources and information. There are ideas for simple investigations that can be done at home using household equipment as well as information about the scientist of the month.