Science at Oak Meadow

At Oak Meadow Primary School, our science curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and develop a deep understanding of the world around us. We aim to provide all pupils with a strong foundation in scientific knowledge, skills and understanding, while fostering an appreciation for scientific inquiry. Through engaging and hands-on learning experiences, we seek to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving and a love for exploration in the natural world. Our curriculum aligns with the National Curriculum and ensures that pupils develop a strong grasp of scientific concepts, understand the importance of science in everyday life, and are prepared for future learning opportunities.

We deliver our science curriculum through a thematic approach that integrates knowledge and practical activities across the three main disciplines: biology, chemistry, and physics. Lessons are planned to be progressive, building upon prior knowledge and allowing pupils to develop a deeper understanding over time.

• Knowledge and Skills: Pupils begin by exploring scientific concepts through observation, questioning, and investigation. In each year group, they are introduced to key scientific principles, which are revisited and extended through practical experiments, hands-on activities, and real-life contexts.
  

• Hands-On Learning: Science is taught through a mix of direct instruction, collaborative learning, and practical experiments. Children work scientifically by formulating hypotheses, making predictions, carrying out investigations, and recording and analysing data. This enables them to understand the scientific process and develop key skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.
  

• Cross-Curricular Links: Where possible, science is linked to other areas of the curriculum to make learning more relevant and engaging. For example, scientific topics may be linked with mathematics for data analysis or with geography when studying ecosystems.
  

• Enrichment: We provide a range of enrichment opportunities such as trips to zoological parks, celebrations of key scientists from their respective fields, and outdoor learning experiences, helping pupils connect their learning to the real world.

By the end of their primary school education, we aim for our pupils to:

• Scientific Knowledge: Have a solid understanding of key scientific principles across biology, chemistry, and physics. They will be able to apply their knowledge to solve problems and answer questions related to the world around them.
  

• Skills for the Future: Develop essential scientific skills including observation, investigation, analysis, and evaluation. Pupils will be confident in working scientifically and will be able to approach scientific challenges with critical thinking and curiosity.
  

• Engagement and Curiosity: Show an enthusiastic interest in science, with a desire to learn more and explore new scientific concepts. Pupils will leave primary school with a positive attitude toward science, feeling confident about continuing their scientific education.
  

• Progress and Achievement: Pupils make significant progress in their scientific understanding and are prepared for further learning in secondary school. Assessment data will show pupils meeting or exceeding age-related expectations in science.

Overall, the science curriculum at Oak Meadow aims to nurture future scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers, equipping our pupils with the tools they need to understand and contribute to the world in a meaningful way.