Science Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact 

Intent: 

At Mossbourne Riverside Academy (MRA), we have designed our science curriculum with the intent that our children will develop an in-depth understanding of the world around them and an understanding of how major scientific ideas have played a vital role in society, preparing them for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world. We recognise that science plays a vital role within the locality of the Academy, with many businesses and organisations located on the Olympic park focused within scientific fields and industries. We therefore embrace their expertise and recognise the valuable contributions that they can make to the delivery of an engaging science curriculum. Our aim is to build science capital for all our children, regardless of their background and starting point so that they are inspired to continue to use science in their everyday life, future education and careers.    

 We will deliver a Science Curriculum that:    

• Builds upon prior knowledge and a progression of skills to ensure all children have a secure understanding and knowledge of key science concepts    
• Develops creativity and challenges all of our learners through outstanding and inclusive teaching practice   

• Inspires and excites our children through engaging practical sessions which are enriched with visits and visitors    
• Will develop aspirational learners with an awareness of the key role that science plays within our community and the world and the opportunities that this creates for future careers    
• Encourages our children to be self-motivated, independent, curious and resilient learners by developing inquiry–based skills and sessions   
• Encompasses outdoor learning to create meaningful experiences within their natural environment  
• Build interest in STEM fields to build and develop on in the secondary setting 

Implementation: 

The curriculum is led and overseen by the science curriculum leader and SLT, who regularly monitor, evaluate and review science teaching and learning, celebrating and sharing good practice. Formative assessments will be integrated into every day science teaching to ensure teachers have an in–depth knowledge of the children’s learning and inform their next steps. Low stakes testing of science will also inform termly assessments and allow for long term memory development and secure understanding of skills.  

The National Curriculum 2014 and the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework 2017 provide the basis for our science curriculum, which is then tailored to meet the learning and developmental needs of the children in our school.   

Teachers will plan science using the MRA science curriculum which develops progression of skills allowing children to build upon prior knowledge and understanding. This document will also outline the Working Scientifically skills, which teachers will use to plan enquiry-based lessons which will support children’s journeys to become independent and resilient learners. 

The teaching, learning and sequencing of science will follow a blocked curriculum in KS1, an approach which has been implemented to ensure coverage and progression in all subject areas.  KS2 will be taught science for one hour a week.    

CPD and teaching resources are offered to the science leaders yearly, based upon one area of science. This CPD will be disseminated to staff through a workshop and staff meetings to establish up-to-date staff subject-knowledge.  

Connections with businesses in HereEast have been made as well as the STEM ambassadors to allow our pupils to observe the uses of Science in the wider community and to enjoy conducting enquiries with scientists who study the field that they are focusing on.   

Impact: 

• Children will become resilient, independent and curious scientists who ask questions and find things out for themselves.   
• Science will be a high profile subject throughout the school.  
• Children will be enthusiastic and motivated scientific learners.  
• Outdoor learning will be utilised where appropriate for science lessons.  
• STEM ambassadors and the wider community will support science learning through trips and visits on regular basis.   

• Children will have an awareness of the full range of scientific careers and pathways available to them and will be keen to pursue STEM subjects at secondary school.  
• Children will leave for secondary school equipped with the science knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their further education.