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 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Animals including humans - Human body | Materials | Materials - Rocks | Electricity | Animals including humans | Energy - Light |
| Autumn 2 | Plants | Materials | Energy - Light | Living things and their habitats | Materials | Animals including humans - Evolution |
| Spring 1 | Materials | Animals including humans | Forces and Magnets | Sound | Forces & Magnets | Electricity |
| Spring 2 | Energy - Seasonal Changes | Plants | Plants | Animals including humans | Living things and their habitats | Animals including humans - Circulatory Systems |
| Summer 1 | Plants | Living things and their habitats | Animals including humans | Living things and their habitats | Earth & Space | Living things and their habitats |
| Summer 2 | Animals including humans | Living things and their habitats | Animals including humans | Energy - States of Matter | Earth & Space | Living 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:
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