INTENT

Science: Intent, Implementation, and Impact

INTENT

At Middlemarch School, our Science curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and foster a deep understanding of the world through the lens of scientific inquiry. We use the White Rose Science scheme, and supplementary resources from Explorify, Grammarsaurus and Twinkl.

Our intent is to:

• Inspire Enthusiasm and Curiosity: Engage students with exciting and relevant science topics that spark their interest and encourage a lifelong love of science.

• Build Strong Foundations: Provide a coherent and progressive framework that builds solid scientific knowledge and understanding throughout years 3 to 6 and prepares students for Key Stage 3 learning.

• Develop Scientific Skills: Equip students with essential skills in working scientifically, including observation, experimentation, data analysis, and critical thinking.

• Promote Understanding of the scientific method: Ensure students understand the principles of scientific investigation and can apply these methods to real-world scenarios.

• Link Science to Everyday Life: Show students the relevance of science in everyday life, helping them to see its application in the world around them and understand its impact on society and the environment.

IMPLEMENTATION

We are in the process of implementing the new White Rose Science scheme across school following extensive research to further improve science teaching and assessment across the school. With a new Subject leader for this subject, we are in the early stages of the development of this The White Rose Science scheme is implemented through a structured, sequential approach to learning that aligns with the National Curriculum.   We supplement our teaching with resources from Explorify, Grammarsaurus and Twinkl:

Curriculum Structure:

• Lower Key Stage 2: Building on foundational knowledge, students engage in more structured investigations and begin to learn about scientific principles and processes.
• Upper Key Stage 2: Students refine their understanding and application of scientific concepts, with an emphasis on detailed experimentation, data collection, and analysis.
• Schemes of Work: Detailed plans and resources provided by the White Rose scheme guide teachers through each unit, ensuring coverage of key topics such as plants, animals including humans, materials, seasonal changes, forces, and space.

Assessment and Progression:

• Formative Assessment: we will be introducing the use of the TAPS resources to gauge understanding and inform instruction. This includes questioning, discussions, and practical activities.

• Summative Assessment: End-of-unit tests assess students' cumulative knowledge and understanding.

• Tracking Progress: Student progress is tracked using O’Track to ensure that all students are meeting expected standards and identifying those who need additional support.

Resources and Support:

• Teacher CPD: Continuous Professional Development sessions for teachers to stay updated with the latest pedagogical approaches and resources.
• Practical Resources: Access to a wide range of materials and equipment for conducting experiments and investigations.
• Cross-Curricular Links: Integration of science with other subjects such as mathematics, English and technology to provide a holistic learning experience.

IMPACT

As we are in the initial stages of implementing a new science scheme the impact is yet to be seen however it is intended that the White Rose Science will provide improvements in:

Student Outcomes:

• Knowledge and Understanding – with students demonstrating a strong grasp of scientific concepts and explaining their learning confidently.
• Skills Development - Pupils will show proficiency in scientific skills including hypothesising, experimenting, observing, and drawing conclusions.
• Progress and Achievement – Pupils will demonstrate high levels of achievement in science assessments and a clear progression in learning as students advance through the school.
• Engagement – students will show high levels of engagement towards science learning and discovery.
• Positive Attitudes – Students will display a keen interest in science, participating enthusiastically in lessons and extracurricular science activities.
• Curiosity and Enquiry: Pupils ask questions, seek answers, and are curious about the world around them, demonstrating an enquiring mindset.

Long-term Impact:

• Foundation for Future Learning: A solid foundation in primary science prepares students for more complex scientific study in secondary school and beyond.
• Real-World Applications: Students recognize the importance of science in the real world and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about scientific issues.

Through our science curriculum we aim to cultivate a generation of scientifically literate individuals who are curious, knowledgeable, and prepared to engage with the scientific challenges of the future.