Science Intent

“Science – it’s like magic, but real.” – Arthur C. Clarke

At Bottesford Schools Federation, we are scientists, and we are curious about the world around us. Science is an integral part of our broad and balanced curriculum, and we aim to inspire enthusiasm, enjoyment and a lifelong interest in the subject. We want our children to develop a deeper understanding of the science around them, to ask questions, plan and carry out experiments, make predictions and hypothesise, and explain their findings clearly. Through active, engaging and empowering learning experiences, pupils develop the knowledge, vocabulary and practical skills they can use in later life.

We set high expectations for all pupils, providing language-rich experiences and environments where children feel safe and confident to take risks, explore ideas and challenge themselves. Our curriculum meets the national requirements while also introducing pupils to a wide range of scientific discoveries, inventors and current global events. We encourage children to make meaningful links with the natural world, investigate how it has evolved over time, and consider the sustainability challenges facing our planet.

We want our children to understand the important role science has played in shaping our world, from the development of medicines that cure diseases to innovations that transform people’s lives. By developing an awareness of the wide range of careers available within STEM, we aim to broaden aspirations and empower pupils to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers. Most importantly, we want children to have fun, enjoy their science lessons and recognise that their curiosity, knowledge and ideas can make a difference in shaping our futures.

A Bottesford Schools Federation Scientist will:

• Show Respect for living organisms, the natural world and the environment around them.
• Demonstrate Integrity by being honest and responsible when planning investigations, carrying out experiments, recording results and drawing conclusions.
• Strive to develop their scientific knowledge, vocabulary and understanding, asking questions and seeking increasingly detailed explanations.
• Feel Empowered to be curious, ask questions, investigate and explore scientific ideas.
• Show Respect when listening to and considering the ideas, findings and explanations of others.
• Demonstrate Integrity by using evidence accurately and being willing to change their ideas when evidence suggests they should.
• Strive to overcome challenges, persevere with investigations and use mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve.
• Feel Empowered to apply their scientific knowledge and skills to real-life situations and recognise the difference science can make to people's lives and our world.
• Work collaboratively, showing Respect for others and contributing positively to shared investigations and projects.
• Strive to broaden their understanding of science by researching, investigating and making connections between different areas of scientific knowledge.
• Understand how scientific knowledge can help us address challenges facing our local and global communities and feel Empowered to make informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Our Science Curriculum

Our science curriculum is carefully sequenced, and our teaching approaches are informed by cognitive science. Spaced repetition, interleaving and frequent retrieval practice support pupils to develop long-term memory, secure knowledge and achieve mastery.

We have high expectations for every pupil, including disadvantaged and SEND pupils. Through bespoke scaffolds, appropriate challenge and stretch, we ensure all pupils are supported to achieve aspirational outcomes.

We provide purposeful, challenge- and immersion-based learning that connects scientific knowledge with real-life and contextual experiences. This helps pupils recognise the relevance of science, develop independence and become lifelong learners.

Each class has one or two Eco-Warriors who help champion sustainability and encourage their peers to Respect and care for the natural world. Through scientific investigations, real-life experiences and practical action, pupils explore sustainability, biodiversity and the impact of human activity on our planet. Our Eco-Warriors help to promote environmental awareness, encourage informed choices and Empower others to recognise how science can help address global challenges and shape a more sustainable future.

Our lessons prioritise participation through practical tasks, investigations and collaborative projects. Pupils learn by doing as well as by being taught, developing curiosity, confidence and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

A progression of knowledge and skills document has been informed by the National Curriculum and, in KS2, The White Rose science scheme of work/programme of study has been developed using evidence-based research.

Science at Bottesford Schools Federation provides learners with distinct disciplinary and substantive knowledge, understanding and skills to help them develop and flourish as scientists.

By learning substantive and disciplinary knowledge, pupils not only know ‘the science’; they also know the evidence for it. We organise the school curriculum so that disciplinary knowledge and skills are embedded within the substantive content. This enables pupils to see the important interplay between both categories of knowledge.

Literacy and maths opportunities are provided which allow children to build upon these skills. For example, through data collection, using and drawing a range of graphs, writing non-chronological reports, and writing scientific predictions and conclusions.

To strengthen children’s metacognition, cross-curricular links will be made to all relevant subjects, where appropriate.

British Science Week is celebrated yearly, providing children with exciting scientific opportunities and broadening their scientific experiences, skills and knowledge.

We use a range of formative assessment techniques against the learning outcome to accurately and fairly assess children’s work.

A range of practical activities are encouraged to develop a hands-on, heads-on approach to science learning.

Outdoor learning is utilised, where appropriate, in science lessons.

In Key Stage 2, each year group will study two sustainability blocks designed to foster children's understanding of current issues related to sustainability and climate change. They offer children a valuable opportunity to recognise their role in shaping a more sustainable future and Empower them to actively contribute to positive changes in both their local and wider environments.