Science Curriculum

Intent

Science teaching at Marlborough Road Academy aims to provide opportunities for all children to develop natural curiosity about the world around them and a lasting respect for the environment. Alongside this, pupils build a coherent and substantive knowledge of the scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

In line with the aims of the National Curriculum, our science provision enables children to:

• Build upon prior knowledge and skills developed in the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring progression through Key Stages 1 and 2 and into Key Stage 3.
• Work scientifically by developing their ability to ask and answer questions about the world around them.
• Use a range of enquiry types across the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
• Make meaningful connections within science and to the wider world.
• Develop enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of, scientific learning and discovery.
• Communicate scientific understanding using a variety of methods, including written explanations, diagrams, graphs, charts and technology, presented in a clear and systematic way.

Implementation

Science is taught through well-planned, sequential lessons that build on prior knowledge and follow Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction. Lessons are carefully adapted to meet the needs of all learners.

Each topic provides opportunities for:

• Hands-on, practical learning experiences.
• Explicit teaching and application of scientific vocabulary.
• Developing ‘working scientifically’ skills, including enquiry and data handling, each term.
• Writing as scientists, through both short and extended pieces of work.

Formative assessment is used consistently to monitor pupils’ progress and inform responsive teaching.

We also enhance the curriculum through whole-school events such as British Science Week, fostering enthusiasm, curiosity and engagement with science.

Impact

Our science curriculum ensures that all pupils learn more, know more, remember more and can do more over time. This is achieved through a carefully sequenced curriculum that revisits and builds upon prior learning.

As a result, pupils:

• Develop a strong understanding of scientific concepts and processes.
• Enjoy working scientifically and recognise the importance of science in the wider world.
• Confidently question, reason and reflect using appropriate scientific vocabulary.

Assessment is used effectively to measure impact through:

• Pre- and post-learning quizzes to track knowledge acquisition.
• Ongoing formative assessment.
• Pupil voice and discussions about learning, allowing staff to assess how securely knowledge has been embedded and how well pupils can make connections between units.

These approaches ensure pupils achieve age-related expectations and are well-prepared for the next stage of their scientific education.