Science allows children to use their curiosity to develop the skills to ask questions, make predictions and test answers in a variety of ways about the constantly changing world around us. At Soundwell, we want children to develop scientific knowledge about the impact of science on our lives today and how it shapes our future. Ultimately our young people use their scientific skills and knowledge to solve problems, both in their own lives and the world around them.  

  

At a primary level, we use PLAN (planning for assessment) matrices to allow for knowledge and skills to be taught sequentially over time. Knowledge is sequenced throughout various enquiries and is organised to build upon prior learning. Teachers will use progression documents, which outline what children have learnt previously, including vocabulary and will use this to check children’s understanding before moving on to the next level. 

Working scientifically skills are also sequenced throughout the curriculum to build upon skills previously taught. E.g. at a starting level, children will perform simple tests organised by the teacher but by the end of the primary level, the children will need to be able plan their own scientific enquiry. Practical tasks have a clear purpose and only take place when pupils have enough prior knowledge to learn from the activity.