Science
Intent
At Woodcocks’ Well, through the teaching of Science we discover a world of wonder, empowered by God’s spirit. Our curriculum:
Gives all children a strong understanding of God’s world and everything in it, nurturing love, gentleness, joy, patience, and respect for creation.
Ensures all pupils, including disadvantaged and those with SEND, are supported and challenged to achieve highly.
Builds secure substantive knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics, and disciplinary knowledge through the full range of scientific enquiry.
Is carefully sequenced to build towards clear end points, revisiting key concepts to secure long-term retention and secondary readiness.
Promotes the use of specialist vocabulary and effective questioning so pupils can explain their ideas with confidence and precision.
Implementation
Curriculum design: Progressive, knowledge-rich, aligned with the National Curriculum, overseen by the subject leader to ensure consistency and ambition.
Time allocation: Weekly discrete lessons (KS1: 1hr 15; KS2: 2hrs) with high expectations equal to English and Maths.
Teaching & learning: Teachers use formative assessment to address misconceptions swiftly and employ retrieval practice to embed knowledge. Lessons combine substantive content and enquiry so pupils both know more and can do more.
Assessment: End-of-unit judgements against clear objectives, moderated in staff meetings. Outcomes passed on to the next teacher to ensure progression.
Environment & enrichment: Science is enriched through Forest School, local fieldwork, visits, and workshops that broaden horizons and deepen cultural capital.
CPD: A planned programme of staff development (in-house, external and peer-led) ensures staff knowledge and pedagogy remain strong.
Impact
Pupils at Woodcocks’ Well:
Are resilient, aspirational, confident and independent learners, prepared for secondary science.
Retain key knowledge in their long-term memory and can apply it in new contexts.
Develop a sense of awe, wonder and responsibility towards God’s creation.
Leaders measure impact through a triangulated approach:
Pupil voice, work scrutiny and outcomes against curriculum end points.
Assessment data, moderation and teacher feedback.
Governor monitoring, learning walks and evidence of practical science.
This ensures leaders have an accurate picture of strengths and areas for development, and that all pupils achieve highly from their starting points.