SCIENCE
The Vision
At Pakeman, we aim to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for science through engaging, hands-on experiences in a safe and inclusive environment. Our lessons connect science to other subjects, real life, and future careers, helping children see themselves as scientists today and tomorrow.
We wish to nurture curiosity through exploration, outdoor learning, and stories of diverse scientists while developing transferable skills like observation, evaluation, and collaboration. By fostering resilience and celebrating progress, we aim to prepare all pupils to confidently engage with the world around them.
We will do this by:
• Encouraging all children to use their natural curiosity to think, ask questions and to communicate their ideas.
• Delivering carefully sequenced and inspiring lessons that strengthen knowledge and practical skills through purposeful, well-resourced activities.
• Planning lessons that connect science meaningfully to other subjects and children’s life experiences, showing relevance and value.
• Using assessments to inform teaching and support children’s progress in science.
• Enhancing learning with varied opportunities, including inspirational visitors, trips, outdoor learning, and involvement of the whole school community.
• Promoting inclusivity and representation by offering opportunities for children to see themselves and others as scientists
Curriculum coverage
At Pakeman Primary School, we use the Kapow Scheme of Work to inspire and guide our science teaching. This carefully designed curriculum aligns with the aims of the National Curriculum for Science as well as the findings of the Ofsted Research Review into Science. To ensure a comprehensive and engaging approach to science education, we have established the following key strands:
- Scientific Knowledge and Understanding:
- Biology – Exploring living organisms and vital processes.
- Chemistry – Investigating matter and its properties.
- Physics – Understanding how the world we live in works.
- Working Scientifically: Developing processes and methods to investigate and answer questions about the world around us.
- Science in Action: Understanding the uses and implications of science in the past, present, and future.
Our science curriculum is built on a spiral model, allowing pupils to revisit essential knowledge and skills with increasing complexity as they progress through their education. This approach enables them to revise, consolidate, and expand upon prior learning. The Science in action strand is interwoven throughout the scheme to make the concepts and skills relevant to pupils and inspiring for future application. Cross-curricular links are included throughout each unit, allowing pupils to make connections and apply their science skills to other areas of learning
Each unit of study is based on one of the key science disciplines – Biology, Chemistry, or Physics – which are further divided into six fundamental areas to ensure clear progression:
- Plants
- Animals, including humans
- Living things and their habitats
- Materials
- Energy
- Forces, Earth, and Space
Pupils explore knowledge and conceptual understanding through engaging activities and an introduction to relevant, specialist vocabulary.
As suggested in Ofsted research review: Science (April 2021), the Working scientifically skills are integrated with conceptual understanding rather than taught discretely to provide frequent but relevant opportunities for developing scientific enquiry skills. The scheme utilises practical activities that aid in the progression of individual skills and provide opportunities for full investigations.
Pakeman Science knowledge skills vocabulary
Opportunities to Celebrate Science
In addition to our carefully planned weekly science lessons, we actively seek opportunities to enrich our pupils’ learning experiences and spark their curiosity and enthusiasm for science. These opportunities include:
- British Science Week: Hands-on activities showcasing the importance of science.
- Science Club: Led by our Science Lead and Volunteer Scientist, offering deeper exploration of science topics.
- School Garden: Growing and harvesting food to learn about biology and sustainability.
- Science Fairs: Pupils present their scientific investigations, promoting independent inquiry.
- Guest Speakers: Experts share real-world insights into various scientific fields.
- Field Trips: Visits to science-related sites for experiential learning.
- STEM Challenges: Collaborative projects focusing on real-world problem solving.
- Themed Science Days: Whole-school events exploring specific science topics.
These activities not only enhance pupils’ understanding of science but also encourage them to see its relevance in the world around them, helping to nurture a lifelong passion for discovery and learning.
How to help your child at home
Parents and Carers can significantly support their child’s scientific development by:
- Encouraging Curiosity: Ask questions and explore answers together, promoting critical thinking.
- Hands-On Activities: Do simple experiments at home, like creating a volcano or growing crystals.
- Visiting Museums: Trips to science museums, nature reserves, or planetariums make learning fun.
- Reading Science Books: Provide books and magazines on scientific topics of interest.
- Watching Educational Programmes: Enjoy TV shows or documentaries that spark interest in science.
- Using Everyday Experiences: Discuss science behind everyday tasks, such as cooking or gardening.
- Practising Vocabulary: Use scientific terms in conversation to reinforce learning.
- Exploring Nature: Spend time outdoors to observe plants, animals, and natural processes.
- Engaging in STEM Activities: Encourage STEM projects like building or coding.
- Staying Involved: Discuss your child’s science topics from school to support their learning journey.
By actively engaging with your child’s science education, you can nurture their interest and help them develop valuable skills for exploring the world.