At West Denton Primary School, we know that a high-quality science education is the key to understanding the world around us via the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Our children are taught to use science to explain how the world works, predict how things will behave and analyse causes – essential skills if they are to discover truth within an age of information. Science at Throckley allows children simultaneously to interpret their present and to create their own future.

National Curriculum Aims

At West Denton Primary School, we follow the National Curriculum for Science, which aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through biology, chemistry and physics
• Understand the nature, processes and methods of science through a range of enquiry-based approaches
• Are equipped with the knowledge needed to understand the uses and implications of science, both now and in the future

Our science curriculum is carefully designed to develop both substantive knowledge (“what we learn”) and procedural knowledge (“how we learn”). Learning is sequenced to ensure key concepts are taught in a logical order, building on prior knowledge and addressing common misconceptions.

Key scientific knowledge is revisited and strengthened over time to support secure understanding and progression. Alongside this, pupils are explicitly taught subject-specific vocabulary so they can communicate their ideas with increasing accuracy and confidence.

Procedural knowledge employed in class is chosen for relevance to the substantive knowledge and shared with the children. These types of scientific enquiry include: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); researching using secondary sources; and applying their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science, including collecting, presenting and analysing data. In turn, activities in class develop the relevant procedural knowledge alongside the substantive. Practical tasks are carefully considered ensuring that they promote the children’s best work; are relevant to the unit studied; and make the learning journey assured.

Overview