INTENT

At Stoke Damerel Primary Academy, every science lesson builds on knowledge, skills and understanding from previous lessons and prior learning. Lessons are taught in a logical progression, systematically and explicitly enough for all pupils to acquire the intended knowledge and skills. Lessons follow a recognisable sequence that is pertinent to the International Primary Curriculum and moves learning forward. The I.P.C topics are linked to the English curriculum, enabling strong cross-curricular links to be formed. Reading is a focus to ensure all children can access all areas of science. All children, including the most disadvantaged pupils, the most able pupils and pupils with SEND receive the same challenge within the same broad curriculum. Children develop their vocabulary and knowledge in the subjects they learn. Children’s long-term memory is developed to ensure they remember the key facts and information for each unit of learning or topic. Through the use of ‘Flashback’ recall starters, knowledge organisers and end-of-unit quizzes, children actively retain the Golden Nuggets of key information from their prior learning.

IMPLEMENTATION

All lessons are planned using high quality and appropriate resources, using excellent subject knowledge. The I.P.C curriculum follows a sequence of mapped out objectives, incorporating the knowledge, skills and understanding required to fully meet the National Curriculum (2014). Children are equipped to ask pertinent questions, plan and carry out investigations carefully and fairly, record their results accurately, draw conclusions from their results, and present their findings in a variety of ways. All lessons contain challenging, relevant vocabulary to extend children’s word banks. We encourage children to note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the correct use of scientific terms. Teachers employ a wide range of Assessment for Learning strategies to support all learners and check pupils’ understanding (used to identify and correct misconceptions and to inform future teaching). Teachers use assessment to help pupils embed and use knowledge fluently, and 'Flashbacks' to ensure that knowledge is retained beyond the year in which it was taught.

IMPACT

At SDPA, we believe the study of science through the I.P.C makes a valuable contribution to children’s understanding of all aspects of life giving them a sense of international identity and heritage as well as fostering a tolerance and respect for the cultures and peoples represented in the past. Well-constructed and well-taught science lessons lead to good results because those results reflect what children have learned. All learning builds towards clearly defined exit points. Children will be able to recall key facts about all areas of science. All pupils will possess the skills to plan and carry out their own investigations in future, and will be able to present their understanding, findings, interpretations and opinions through speaking, writing, computing and a variety of artistic media.