Intent – The way we have planned the curriculum:

At the West Dartmoor Federation, our science curriculum is designed with the intent that our children will develop an in-depth understanding of the world around them. Science plays a vital role within our school community, with many parents and carers working in science-based roles and in the medical field. We embrace their expertise and recognise the valuable contributions that these parents can make to the delivery of our science curriculum. We aim to build science capital for all children, regardless of their background and starting point. We aim to inspire children, so they continue to use science in their everyday life, future education and careers.

Our science curriculum:

• Builds upon prior knowledge and a progression of skills to ensure that all children have a secure understanding and knowledge of key concepts.

• Develops creativity and challenges all children.

• Inspires and excites children through engaging practical sessions.

• Develops aspirational leaders with an awareness of the opportunities of the community.

Implementation – How we will teach the curriculum:

Our curriculum is led and overseen by the Science Leader, who will regularly monitor, evaluate and review science teaching and learning. Formative assessment will be integrated into everyday science teaching to ensure teachers have an in-depth knowledge of the children’s learning and inform their next steps.

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.

Impact – How we will know what the pupils have learned:

• Children will become resilient, independent and curious scientists who ask questions which are increasingly based on scientific understandings and find things out for themselves. 

• Science will be a high-profile subject throughout the school.  

• Children will be enthusiastic and motivated scientific learners  

• Parents and the wider community will support science learning through trips and visits on regular basis where appropriate.  

• Children will have an awareness of the full range of scientific careers and pathways available to them and will be keen to pursue STEM subjects at secondary school.  

• Children will leave for secondary school equipped with the science knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their further education.  

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.