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Part of the Heath Family (NW)

Science

At Daresbury Primary School, we want every child to SHINE as a scientist. Our Science curriculum encourages children to be curious about the world around them, ask questions, explore ideas and develop a secure understanding of the scientific knowledge and skills they need for life and future learning.

Our Science curriculum is part of our trust-wide curriculum and is carefully sequenced so that children progressively build and connect their scientific knowledge and vocabulary from the Early Years through to Year 6. We identify the salient knowledge that pupils need to know and remember within each unit and revisit important learning regularly through retrieval and recap activities. This helps children to develop secure understanding, address misconceptions and make meaningful connections between different areas of Science.

In accordance with the National Curriculum, pupils develop knowledge and understanding across biology, chemistry and physics. They learn about living things and their environments, materials and their properties, forces, light, sound, electricity, Earth and space, animals, plants and the human body. Children are encouraged to use scientific vocabulary accurately and explain their ideas using evidence and scientific reasoning.

Working Scientifically

A key part of our Science curriculum is developing children's ability to work scientifically. These skills are progressively developed throughout their time at Daresbury. Children are given regular opportunities to:

  • ask scientific questions and make predictions;

  • observe and identify patterns;

  • plan and carry out investigations;

  • select and use appropriate equipment safely;

  • take measurements and record results;

  • gather, present and interpret data;

  • identify patterns and use evidence to draw conclusions;

  • explain their findings using appropriate scientific vocabulary;

  • evaluate investigations and suggest improvements.

We believe that practical experiences are an essential part of learning Science. Children have regular opportunities to handle equipment, investigate materials, observe changes, conduct experiments and explore scientific ideas. They are encouraged to learn from mistakes, refine their thinking and use evidence to support their conclusions.

Science and SHINE

Science makes an important contribution to our Daresbury SHINE framework: Safe, Healthy, Independent, Nurturing and Exploring.

Safe – Children learn to identify hazards, use scientific equipment responsibly and follow appropriate safety procedures during practical investigations.

Healthy – Science helps children understand their bodies, nutrition, exercise, hygiene and other factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, enabling them to make informed choices.

Independent – Children develop confidence in asking questions, selecting equipment, planning investigations, recording results and using evidence to explain their ideas.

Nurturing – Children develop respect for living things, their environment and the world around them. They learn how scientific choices can affect people, animals and the planet.

Exploring – Children are encouraged to be curious, ask questions, investigate, experiment and develop explanations based on what they observe and discover.

Leadership Through Science

We believe Science provides valuable opportunities for children to develop leadership, responsibility and independence.

Our Science Ambassadors take on additional responsibility for supporting Science across school. They help to look after, organise and manage scientific equipment and resources, helping to ensure they are ready for practical investigations and treated safely and responsibly.

Through this role, children develop their independence, responsibility and leadership skills, while helping to support practical Science across school.

Science Beyond the Classroom

We want children to understand that Science is not simply something that happens in a lesson. Throughout their time at Daresbury, pupils have opportunities to experience Science through STEM activities, practical investigations, workshops, visitors, outdoor learning and Science Week experiences.

Children learn about significant scientists and their contributions to our understanding of the world, helping them to recognise the important role Science plays in society. We also develop pupils' understanding of environmental science and sustainability, encouraging them to consider their responsibilities towards the planet and become informed and responsible global citizens.

Our aim is for children to leave Daresbury with a secure foundation of scientific knowledge, a strong understanding of how science works and a genuine curiosity about the world around them. We want them to continue asking questions, seeking evidence, challenging their thinking and using Science to understand and make sense of the world.

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