Science Curriculum Intent

 At Frome Valley First school we want children to be naturally curious about the world around them. We want our children to develop their ideas and make sense of the world in which they live. We want to inspire our children to appreciate the awe and wonder of nature and use their scientific knowledge and skills to answer their questions. Every child should have an understanding of how important science is in our world, and the impact it can have on our world’s future.

Scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic the children study and these topics are revisited and developed throughout their time at school. Topics, such as Plants, are taught in Key Stage One and studied again in further detail throughout Key Stage Two. Thus allowing the children to grow in their understanding, building upon their prior knowledge and increasing their enthusiasm for the topics whilst embedding this procedural knowledge into the long-term memory. 

Frome Valley Science Curriculum Map

Science Curriculum Implementation

 At Frome Valley we adapt and extend the curriculum to match all pupils’ needs to ensure they are challenged and achieve success, regardless of their starting point. Science is taught as discrete units and lessons following the White Rose scheme. This ensures curriculum coverage and progression, however, teachers adapt the content and activities to meet the needs of our individual children. We include lessons that are practical and engaging, and try to incorporate outside learning experiences as much as possible.

We seize opportunities to further enhance the curriculum and grow enthusiasm in science. Recent examples include: our whole school science week where every child experienced the excitement of engaging science investigations. We also had parents who use science in their work visit and demonstrate the application of science skills in the wider world. Children in all year groups use of the pond and wildlife area by all year groups, linking to our Eco School agenda. Our Forest School sessions (run by our Science Lead), also enrich our science curriculum through exploring the natural world and using different materials. All children in the school are given the opportunity to work in the garden to grow a variety of plants including flowers and vegetables. Our bi-annual class trip for Key Stage 1 is to Lorton Meadows, a local nature reserve where the children can explore and discover animal life in a variety of habitats.

Science Curriculum Intended Impact

The impact and measure of our science curriculum is to ensure children not only acquire the appropriate age-related knowledge, but also skills which equip them to progress from their starting points, and within their everyday lives.

All children will have:

Our engagement with the local environment ensures that children learn through varied and first-hand experiences of the world around them. Children at our school overwhelmingly enjoy science and this results in motivated learners with sound scientific understanding. Our children are learning that Science in its many forms is vital  to the world’s future prosperity and know and believe that they play a significant part in this future.