Science
“Every kid starts out as a natural-born scientist.” – Carl Sagan
“Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organising our curiosity.” – Tim Minchin
Purpose of study
A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Aims
The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future
At Merton Park we want all children to:
- develop their sense of curiosity, awe and wonder;
- think of themselves as scientists - in science lessons, other curriculum areas and in the wider world;
- make connections between what they have learnt or discovered for themselves outside of school, with their learning in the classroom;
- embrace new concepts and the unexpected, and to learn through these experiences;
- develop their growth mindset and resilience, feeling as brave as possible when writing or investigating ideas that are new to them;
- take part in developing and exploring ideas through their own questioning and exposure to a variety of stimuli;
- learn scientific concepts, using appropriate vocabulary with confidence;
- apply their subject knowledge in various contexts;
- feel encouraged to find answers to questions through individual reflection, teamwork, investigation, critical thinking and creative problem-solving;
- learn from each other and from the problems they have faced in their enquiries, in order to become more systematic and be able to make greater progress in future learning experiences.
Curriculum documents
Substantive knowledge is a key part of our science curriculum alongside the disciplinary knowledge (which helps children to work scientifically).
Progression in key concepts and substantive knowledge
Progression in disciplinary knowledge
For more information on the substantive knowledge, please refer to our knowledge organisers on the year group pages.