At Doxey, we aspire for all of our children to receive a high quality science education which inspires, enthuses and intrinsically motivates them. We want our children to be exposed to the world around them so that they can explore through natural curiosity and develop a deeper understanding of key concepts. Throughout their time at Doxey they will become coherent, building on this over time as they progress through the year groups. Our progressive, inclusive science curriculum, all children will be exposed to countless opportunities that will stimulate not only academic success, but also a genuine love of learning. Children will be encouraged to ask questions at every opportunity and will be asked carefully thought out questions that will draw out their substantive and disciplinary knowledge. To enhance their disciplinary knowledge, children will observe changes and classify a range of data in different units. They will also draw conclusions from results, making predictions for future investigations. To ensure substantive knowledge is built on, levels of prior knowledge will be identified and developed at every opportunity through carefully planned out units of work that cater to pupil’s interests and cultural capital. High level vocabulary is consistently embedded into lessons to improve oracy and is again planned out to ensure progression. Our science curriculum not only meets statutory expectations, but encourages children to be ambitious and equips them with the skills and knowledge to achieve the best outcomes in life, not just at school. Their science education will also help them to become a well-rounded individual who can rise above challenges they may face, now and in the future.  

The overarching aims for our science curriculum are taken from the National Curriculum. These state that all children will;   

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics 

• Develop understanding of the nature, process and methods of science through different types of science enquiries to help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them 

• Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Links to Personal Development

The teaching of science is key to ensuring children learn about their health and wellbeing. Science teaches children about their body and how it works from nutrition and digestion, through to growing and changing and puberty. Learning in science about how to have a healthy diet and how their body needs exercise to keep healthy helps children to understand its importance.

Science taps into children's natural curiosity about the world around them. Activities like observing plants grow or mixing substances to see what happens nurture a sense of wonder and a desire to explore. Learning in science encourages asking "why" and "how," fostering a habit of inquiry that extends to other areas of life thus developing their character. Additionally, Science experiments don’t always go as planned, teaching children the importance of perseverance and learning from mistakes.

Science is also key to living in the wider world as activities based on recycling projects, conserving resources, or studying ecosystems help children appreciate the importance of caring for the environment and the role they have to play in belonging to a community. This introduces a sense of responsibility and ethical awareness.

Throughout our teaching in science, we introduce our pupils to famous scientists from the different fields of science. We introduce to pupils what possible careers are available throughout the world of science, also enhancing their cultural capital. We take children to museums to learn about science and celebrate awareness days linked to science.