Fairlop Primary School

Science at Fairlop
At Fairlop, we aim to deliver an engaging science curriculum, which is intended to provoke children’s curiosity of the world around them.

We are passionate about all scientific matters and believe that this is evident in our day-to-day delivery of scientific content. We believe that science develops a set of specific skills that allows students to make informed decisions that help them both fulfil their own potential and help those around them. We understand that our pupils are naturally curious and we encourage this inquisitive nature by helping them to frame questions within topics so they can test and evaluate ideas. Pupils are given the opportunities through topics and investigation to progressively deepen their knowledge of scientific concepts and build up the skills to access that knowledge.

The use of displays in the classroom and around school helps the children embed their understanding of scientific matters. Throughout their studies, children develop a wide vocabulary of scientific terms and knowledge about the world. Children will discuss their ideas and opinions and use the knowledge they have gained to support their view. Planning is supported by the Rising Stars science scheme of work. Teachers make a teacher assessment of progress towards the end of key stage national curriculum expectations at the end of each academic year. Throughout the year, the subject lead will monitor the science provision (e.g., through work scrutiny and pupil voice) and standards at the end of each key stage are monitored annually.

Curriculum links
Where relevant, the science curriculum has been planned in line with the content of other curriculum subjects. The science knowledge, skills and concepts children acquire across the school are then applied to their cross-curricular topics, allowing children to use their science skills to reflect on and explore curriculum content in greater depth.  For example, design and technology work is also linked to the science units, allowing children to apply their scientific knowledge in creative ways e.g., by designing and making a bridge and by creating a pop-up book on the water cycle.

Outcomes
Science books are provided for each child and will progress through the years with them. The books will show a progression of science knowledge and skills. Where relevant, science learning will be combined with other curriculum subjects. This is to deepen children’s knowledge in order that they are able to confidently apply their skills across the curriculum and the high-quality writing outcomes produced by pupils in their literacy work are mirrored in their writing of scientific investigations and conclusions. Science work is displayed in classrooms to celebrate and inspire scientific knowledge and understanding.