Science Curriculum Intent
Science at Ovingham First School is an integral part of our STEM curriculum and as such is carefully planned to link with other curriculum disciplines. The intent of our curriculum is to develop curious, independent and resilient learners who understand the importance and relevance of science in their lives. We are committed to providing children with opportunities to investigate and make enquiries across all three areas of science – biology, chemistry and physics. Through this, the children will develop the skills required to develop their own scientific attitudes and the ability to ask questions and use scientific evidence to answer them. Furthermore, we strive to ensure that through our work on the outdoor curriculum and issues relating to climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals the children develop an understanding of the impact Science has on the environment and the wider world.
Spirituality in Science:
Spirituality can be observed in science lessons as our children embark on a journey of exploration and curiosity about the natural world. Science provides a space for young minds to marvel at the wonders of the universe, fostering a sense of awe and reverence for the intricacies of life. Through hands-on experiments and observations, our children develop an appreciation for the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness of living organisms. By instilling a sense of wonder and curiosity, science lessons can contribute to the spiritual development of our children, nurturing a complete understanding of the world and fostering a deep appreciation for the awe-inspiring aspects of the scientific realm.
Ovingham’s Green Curriculum
At Ovingham, we are a community where we give everyone the opportunity to flourish and thrive. We aim to offer an inspiring curriculum of the highest possible standard to help all children achieve their full potential. Our beautiful environment and position within our local community provide a unique and broad range of experiences.
Our Green Curriculum is designed to ensure that every child:
- Achieves their potential regardless of ability, gender, race, religion or culture.
- Recognises their role as a global citizen within an ever-changing world.
The Green Curriculum sparks a desire within our children to have a greater
understanding of the environment and ecological issues, and encourages children to
connect with the outdoors. It supports children in making connections between what they learn in school; how this is reflected in their local environment and how this in turn relates to their place within the global community. It is important that our children are accountable for themselves and others and understand where they fit into the wider world. Once they recognise this, they can then develop a greater understanding of the fact that their choices matter and they have a voice that deserves to be heard.
We follow CUSP Science which pays close attention to guidance provided by the National Curriculum sequence and content. It is infused with evidence-led practice and enriched with retrieval studies to ensure long-term retention of foundational knowledge. The foundations of CUSP science are cemented in the EYFS through learning within the Natural World, and People, Culture and Communities. Our ambitious interpretation of the National Curriculum places knowledge, vocabulary, working and thinking scientifically at the heart of our principles, structure and practice. CUSP Science precisely follows the units outlined in the National Curriculum. Through studying CUSP science, pupils become ‘a little more expert’ as they progress through the curriculum, accumulating, connecting and making sense of the rich substantive and disciplinary knowledge. This guidance is supported by Ofsted documents and research papers, including:
