Science Curriculum Intent Statement

At St Swithun Wells, we want our children to be naturally curious about the world around them. We want to embrace their sense of wonder about natural phenomena and to guide them into becoming enquiry-based learners. The Science in our school is about developing children’s ideas and ways of working that enable them to make sense of the world in which they live. We want our children to develop an understanding of the uses and implications of Science, how it has changed and shaped our lives and how vital it is to the world’s future prosperity. 

Science Curriculum Implementation Statement

The principal focus of science teaching at St Swithun Wells is to ensure that pupils have a scientific view of the world around them.

During the Early Years Foundation Stage, pupils are given opportunities through the area of learning - ‘Understanding the World’ and to find out more about the world in which they live. Pupils investigate objects and materials using all their senses as appropriate, finding out about and identifying some features of the living things, objects and events that they observe. Outdoor learning environments are also set up to promote this as well as other opportunities to experience real life cycles (eggs to chicks hatching and caterpillars to butterflies)

Across Key Stage One and Two, progression of skills teaching coincides the. At the start of each topic, teachers take time to explore prior learning and match pupils’ interest to what they want to know more about. Scientific enquiry forms the basis of all science teaching and learning. In addition, a whole school themed science week takes place every year with real life experiences and experiments taking place. This includes visiting scientists and working with local Secondary School science teachers. Teachers also adapt and extend their teaching to involve cross -curricular links so that pupils experience science in other contexts. To support the planning and teaching of Science, White Rose Science is used as a supplementary resource.