Science

At Priors Hall a learning community, we have designed our science curriculum with the intent that our children will develop an in-depth understanding of the world around them and of how major scientific ideas have played a vital role in creating our modern society. Our aim is to build cultural and scientific capital for all our children, regardless of their background and starting point. We strive to inspire children so that they use science in their everyday life, future education and careers.

Our curriculum is designed to:

  • Build upon prior knowledge and a progression of skills to ensure all children have a secure understanding and knowledge of key science concepts
  • Promote challenges all of our learners through outstanding and inclusive teaching practice
  • Create aspirational learners with an awareness of the key role that science plays within our community and the world and the opportunities that this creates for future careers
  • Encourage our children to be self-motivated, independent, curious and resilient learners by developing inquiry based skills and sessions
  • Encompass outdoor learning to create meaningful experiences within their natural environment

Whole School Overview

Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5Year 6
Autumn 1Animals including humans - Human bodyMaterialsMaterials - RocksElectricityAnimals including humansEnergy - Light
Autumn 2MaterialsMaterialsEnergy - LightLiving things and their habitatsMaterialsAnimals including humans - Evolution
Spring 1Energy - Seasonal ChangesAnimals including humans Forces and MagnetsSoundForces & MagnetsElectricity
Spring 2PlantsPlantsPlantsAnimals including humansLiving things and their habitatsAnimals including humans - Circulatory Systems
Summer 1PlantsLiving things and their habitatsAnimals including humansLiving things and their habitatsEarth & SpaceLiving things and their habitats
Summer 2Animals including humansLiving things and their habitatsAnimals including humansEnergy - States of MatterEarth & SpaceLiving things and their habitats

Knowledge Rich Curriculum

Years 1 to 6 use knowledge organisers to support children in remembering key concepts. Knowledge organisers have been developed and introduced for teachers and children to use for each topic for reference and assessment purposes. They map out the knowledge, vocabulary and diagrams needed to master the concepts as well as including suggestions for links to prior learning and key scientists.

The example below has been taken from our curriculum to illustrate what a typical knowledge organiser looks like. All knowledge organisers can be found in the table above, please hover over the unit.

The whole school science progression document can be found here:

Here are the Big Questions and Need to Know knowledge for science

Working Scientifically Skills

Across our science curriculum, children develop their understanding of the key 7 working scientifically skills:

  • asking questions
  • making predictions
  • setting up tests
  • observing and measuring
  • recording data
  • interpreting and communicating results
  • evaluating

Enrichment

As part of our enrichment offer in science, we encourage visitors to our school and go on school trips to scientific places such as the National Space Centre and Tycross Zoo. We also work with our neighbour school Corby Business Academy to expose the children to famous scientists and prepare children for secondary science.

 

 

Useful websites

 

Our science co-ordinator is Ms Boyle. If you would like more information about our science curriculum please contact Ms Boyle on info@priorshallalc.com