Burnham-on-Sea Infant School

Science Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Lead: Jo Macgregor

Our curriculum approach to science reflects our ethos statement ‘Working Together Building Futures’ providing all our children rich opportunities to explore and revel in the awe and wonder of the natural world.

We highly value our Science curriculum, which also includes opportunities for all children to develop their STEM knowledge. We also have two Forest School areas and the children take part in regular Forest School sessions throughout the year. It allows children to understand and appreciate the natural cycles of the year, to respect nature, work as part of a team, develop their tolerance of each other, learn traditional skills, problem solve and have fun.

Intent (curriculum design, coverage and appropriateness) :

Through investigating the themes of Materials, Animals including humans, Plants, Seasonal Change (year1) and Habitats (year 2) all children are provided opportunities for hands on learning about the world around them. Their skills and the methods they use will be continuously developed by asking and answering lots of questions, using simple equipment, gathering information, and making observations to answer these questions.

Implementation (curriculum delivery, teaching and assessment):

At Burnham Infants we ask questions about ourselves and the world around us and then explore what the answers could be. All pupils participate in engaging and purposeful activities often using skills and knowledge from the other curriculum areas, especially STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). We use the indoor and outdoor environments to support the teaching and learning of science. We also provide many opportunities for the children to further their learning through participating in Science workshops and visits

Impact (attainment and progress):

Through Science, our children will ask questions, become resourceful, use their skills and knowledge to answer those questions; preparing them for further deeper study at Key Stage 2. The children explore biology, physics and chemistry and become scientists. Learning is assessed through the analysis of the pupil’s ability, their work, with work recorded in our science books.

The Science lead at Burnham-on-Sea will;

• Help design the rolling curriculum map and then to monitor to ensure that units are being taught at the correct time.
• Complete learning walks, speak to pupils about their learning and discuss with colleagues successes and barriers.
• Available to offer subject knowledge and advice when needed to support teaching staff in their understanding and delivery of science.
• Lead the school's Eco Warriors Club and undertake Eco-Schools assessment.

Review:

October 2023