Science

Intent

At the Phoenix Federation, we aspire for all children to recognise the importance and impact of science in every aspect of everyday life. We aim to provide a high-quality science education that equips children with the foundations they need to become young scientist. Our curriculum is centred around increasing pupils knowledge and understanding of the world; this is developed through high-quality fun, engaging and practical lessons.  We aim for all pupils to become enquiry-based learners through being curious explorers that enjoy developing and testing their own ideas about everyday phenomena.  Pupils’ will achieve this by asking questions based on their observations and knowledge of their environment. 

Whilst inspired through different hooks, pupils’ will build science capital using prior learning, resources and persons from the local community (where possible) as well as those hidden figures that have contributed greatly to the world of scientific discovery.

 ​Using the National Curriculum Programme of Study, pupils will learn to work scientifically applying and building upon their prior learning in all areas; they are also encouraged to understand and develop their scientific literacy and oracy skills. ​Learning the importance of working scientifically is promoted throughout the programme of study and is a medium by which pupils’ investigative skills – using all five senses – as well as their ability to record and communicate their observations, is developed.

Implementation 

We have updated the science curriculum across the Phoenix Federation to ensure that children develop key foundational knowledge of concepts.  Phoenix teachers provide positive learning atmospheres and reinforce that all children are capable of achieving well.  The curriculum is led by the science lead but overseen by the Senior Leadership Team to ensure high quality, depth and consistency.  Formative assessments, including low stakes testing which builds long term memory and understanding, is incorporated into everyday science teaching to enable educators to see where the children are and their next steps. 

The curriculum has been arranged so that the children have the opportunity, where possible, to experience and investigate first-hand practical learning experiences along side secondary sources of information. Lessons build upon children’s knowledge which helps them understand the world better and builds a sense of excitement and curiosity around the subject. Working scientifically is always taught throughout and clearly relates to substantive science content in the programme of study.

Through enrichment learning opportunities eg: after school clubs, we promote the profile of science and allow children to develop and explore their scientific ideas further.

Impact

At the phoenix federation, our science curriculum aims to provide children with rich learning experiences that secure the foundation for future learning, raise the aspirations of all pupils, and develop curiosity in science. We will measure this impact through:​

• A science curriculum that gives full coverage of the ‘National Curriculum’ programme of study​
• High standards of teaching and learning​
• Curriculum that is progressive from children’s starting point ​
• A curriculum that embeds a rich vocabulary that allow children to articulate their understanding​
• Raise aspirations of all learners​
• Develop pupils who understand the uses and implications of science today and for the future.​
• Retain knowledge that is pertinent to science with real life contexts.

By the time our children leave the federation, we want them to

• See science as a high-profile subject throughout the school which they are excited to learn about.
• Be curious, resilient and autonomous scientists who question and research independently.
• Reason scientifically, speak confidently and draw conclusions using scientific vocabulary.
• Work collaboratively and practically investigating and experimenting their own ideas
• Have accessed to STEM ambassadors in the wider community and have an awareness of STEM careers.
• Be equipped to succeed in secondary school.