SCIENCE

Our intent: a bespoke and progressive curriculum, that is thoughtfully sequenced to enable all children to build and deepen their knowledge, develop strong skills, and engage in exceptional curriculum experiences.

Our science curriculum allows for all pupils to achieve highly, whilst reflecting all aspects of the Parklands’ ethos. The curriculum promotes ecological values and develops children’s scientific knowledge, reasoning and understanding of the universe. By following a well-structured, sequential curriculum, all pupils participate in fun, innovative and accessible scientific experiences, and these experiences create capable, enthused, inquisitive young scientists.

Our rigorous science curriculum is taught in a logical progression, so that all pupils can acquire the specified knowledge and skills. Teachers build, year-on-year, on key concepts and enable all pupils to achieve highly.

The curriculum is planned and implemented through sequential objectives, to ensure a logical progression in attainment.
By following a rigorous, specified structure, this allows pupils to consolidate their understanding of key concepts, yet avoid repetition, and build on prior knowledge and application. Information is presented clearly; articulate discussion is promoted, and outcomes are specified. Through each unit, children acquire scientific knowledge. Next, they develop their scientific enquiry skills and finally apply these skills via scientific investigations.

At the start of each science unit, scientific vocabulary is discussed and recorded. This acquisition of vocabulary encourages pupils to describe associated scientific processes and key characteristics using technical terminology with accuracy and precision.

As they progress through each unit, pupils develop their knowledge of scientific vocabulary and demonstrate this through report writing and class discussions. Once the vocabulary has been embedded, pupils create a class mind map to plot their understanding and discuss any questions they have. This is followed by a series of differentiated, knowledge-rich sessions designed to deliver key concepts and content for the designated unit of study. A range of media and instructional methods are used to ensure effective learning and engagement.

Once children have acquired scientific knowledge, they apply this through hands-on investigations driven by their own questions related to the area of study. Each investigation is designed to test a hypothesis using a scientific method that either confirms scientific principles or challenges misconceptions. After completing the investigation, pupils document their process and results in a differentiated report, which allows teachers to assess understanding, address any misconceptions, and encourage deeper insight. Through our sequential approach to science lessons, children engage in enjoyable, kinaesthetic learning experiences, exploring concepts through pupil-led questions and investigations.

This pupil-led approach fosters creativity and enables pupils to excel by applying their knowledge through practical skills. In addition to the national curriculum, our focus on ecologically conscious ‘green’ units enhances children’s awareness and understanding of critical environmental concepts, helping them connect their learning to real-world sustainability issues.

Children experience excitement, curiosity, and creativity through engaging investigations and interactions with visiting experts during science lessons, themed celebration days, and Science Week. As a result, they leave primary school with a deepened ecological awareness, a strong sense of environmental responsibility, and an environmentally conscious mindset embedded in their character.

Additionally, several Year 6 leavers have successfully secured places on highly competitive local STEM programmes, further nurturing their passion for science and innovation.