Our Science Curriculum

At Holbeton Primary School, we have designed our science curriculum with the intent that our children will develop an in-depth understanding of the world around them and an understanding of how major scientific ideas have played a vital role in society, to prepare them for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world. We recognise that science plays a vital role within our school community, with many parents and carers having professional careers within the medical field. We therefore embrace their expertise and recognise the valuable contributions that families can make to the delivery of an engaging science curriculum. Our aim is to build science capital for all our children, regardless of their background and starting point so that they are inspired to continue to use science in their everyday life, future education, and careers. 

We will deliver a Science Curriculum that: 

• Builds upon prior knowledge and a progression of skills to ensure all children have a secure understanding and knowledge of key science concepts. 
• Develops creativity and challenges all. 
• Inspires and excites our children through engaging practical sessions which are enriched where appropriate with visits and visitors. 
• Will develop aspirational learners with an awareness of the key role that science plays within our community and the world and the opportunities that this creates for future careers. 
• Encourages our children to be self-motivated, independent, curious, and resilient learners by developing inquiry-based skills and sessions.

Implementation

Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and is further tailored to meet the learning and developmental needs of the children in our school. We follow a two-year rolling programme to ensure full coverage of the curriculum.

Teachers plan science using the progression of skills and progression of vocabulary documents that allow children to build upon their prior knowledge and understanding. Teachers will plan enquiry-based lessons which will support children’s journeys to become independent and resilient learners.

The 'outdoor classroom' provides a meaningful way to engage children in practical science, giving them experience of collecting and analysing data, and making predictions in the real world.  The wider educational benefits of teaching and learning science through fieldwork in the natural and built environments include teamwork, motivation, and its potential to influence positively the choice of science as a future subject of study. 

Science in EYFS 

Science is explored through the children’s understanding of the world and elements of technology. Learning in the outside environment is key to enhancing child-led learning. We provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, experiment, and observe, ask questions and reflect through direct experiences. The children are introduced to scientific vocabulary to help them further their understanding and are asked open-ended questions so that they can make predictions and give them opportunities to question. Our Early Years provision ensures that children have access to a range of materials that work in different ways for various purposes