Science
At Northwood Park Primary, our Science curriculum is rooted in our core values:
Be Kind. Be Brave. Be Proud
At Northwood Park Primary, we recognise the important role Science plays in shaping our pupils’ futures: personally, nationally, and globally. As a core subject, Science is given high priority to ensure children receive a rich, engaging and meaningful education in this area. Rooted in our core values of Be Kind, Be Brave, Be Proud, our curriculum encourages pupils to be curious, resilient and confident learners who are eager to explore the world around them.
Through practical enquiry, investigation and thoughtful questioning, pupils are encouraged to explore scientific ideas, solve problems and deepen their natural curiosity about how and why things happen. Our progressive and age-appropriate curriculum supports children in developing critical thinking skills, independence and respect for the world around them, preparing them to become informed and responsible members of society.
Science at Northwood Park
Northwood Park Primary School uses the National Curriculum for Science as the basis of its planning and follows the statutory programme of study. Our curriculum is designed to ensure we embed pupils’ prior learning and build progression so that learners excel and are increasingly challenged as they develop their skills and knowledge in each unit.
EYFS
Science teaching and learning begins in EYFS through standards set out by the Early Years Foundation Stage ‘Understanding of the World’. It is introduced through activities that encourage every child to explore, problem solve, observe, predict and discuss the world around them.
Key Stage 1
The primary focus of Science teaching in Key Stage One is to enable pupils to explore phenomena, looking more closely at the natural and humanly constructed world around them. Pupils develop their understanding of scientific ideas by using different types of scientific enquiry including observing changes over a period of time, grouping and classifying things, carrying out simple comparative tests and using secondary sources of information.
Key Stage 2
In Key Stage Two, pupils build on their prior learning. Children develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts through exploring and discussing their ideas; asking questions about scientific phenomena and analysing functions, relationships and interactions more systematically. Upper Key Stage Two pupils explore more abstract ideas and begin to recognise how these ideas help them to understand and predict how the world operates. They draw accurate conclusions based on their data and use their scientific knowledge to explain their findings.
Working together as a Northwood team, we show kindness and respect in all that we do, creating a supportive environment where every child feels valued. We are brave in delivering an engaging and ambitious Science curriculum that encourages our learners to explore, question and think boldly about the world around them. At Northwood Park Primary, we celebrate diversity by introducing children to scientists from a wide range of backgrounds and by working closely with our local community. This helps our learners feel proud of who they are and confident in their ability to make a difference.
Through enriching experiences and strong partnerships with local industries, children build scientific knowledge and skills, discover their strengths and develop the courage to try new challenges. We encourage them to take pride in their achievements and in the progress they make along their learning journey.
