Science | How we do it

At Willows, our Science curriculum is sequenced so that there is progression and continuity throughout the years, in all scientific areas.  Curriculum plans have been carefully developed to build on prior learning.  Staff revisit and teach scientific components, with the aim of embedding these into pupils’ long term memory so that they can be developed and built on in subsequent years.  Science is taught as a discrete subject, but wherever possible, staff use other curriculum areas to further develop children’s understanding of science.  This cross-curricular approach helps to reinforce learning and build up the child’s schema.  We provide exciting and stimulating lessons that are inclusive and promote problem solving and discovery through a practical element.  We use top quality resources that are purposeful and relevant: working scientifically objectives are taught alongside the national curriculum knowledge content guaranteeing clear and focused coverage of the enquiry types. 

To ensure depth of learning, there is a focus on two enquiry skills during each Science unit, so these can be taught then applied effectively.  This expands the children’s understanding of the world that they live in and gives them the tools to be able to think as scientists.  Each science unit launches with an elicitation activity to engage pupils in the new Science content and to explore pupils’ existing knowledge and depth of understanding; any misconceptions or gaps are then addressed.  During our lessons, the children are exposed to scientific vocabulary in a progressive and ambitious manner: lessons involve clear and concise modelling of this vocabulary, which gives children the confidence to use the correct terminology in their work. Children are inspired to ask questions, which promotes independent learning.  They are encouraged to question the world around them and to use prior learning to explain what they discover.  Science is taught progressively throughout the school, ensuring that scientific knowledge and skills are built on and developed each year.