At The Lyceum School, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. Our aim is to equip our children with the key working scientifically skills, knowledge and vocabulary motivated by our core skills of active learning, basic skills and creative thinking.
Our Science curriculum is shaped by the National Curriculum for Science, our school values and the ethos at The Lyceum. Our Science curriculum aims to ensure that all children:
- Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- Are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
We plan for the working scientifically skills to be built-on and developed throughout a child’s time at the school so that they can make connections in their learning and become thinkers and investigators. This will enable them to apply their knowledge of Science when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently. We aim to plan and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence, to be reflective, responsible and to ask questions.
Across the school, continuous progression is at the heart of our curriculum design. Science lessons are planned to be a part of the concept-based enquiry questions, where possible these are made cross-curricular. Children are given the opportunity to use a variety of data, such as statistics, pictures and photographs. ICT, reading, writing, speaking and listening are strongly developed through Science. Where meaningful links are not possible, Science is taught as a standalone subject to ensure the quality and integrity of the core subject can be upheld. Typically, younger children at The Lyceum School are taught Science once a week while Key Stage Two pupils receive twice weekly Science lessons. This allows time for the incremental acquisition of skills and knowledge and time to address misconceptions. There is a strong focus on providing children with opportunities to apply their knowledge.
Assessment is on-going throughout the learning process and includes observing children at work, questioning, class discussions, quizzes, written and verbal feedback, practical sessions to apply knowledge and skills, and independent learning in books.
Our annual Science week is an integral part of the school’s Science provision. Our Science week allows for further opportunities to work alongside local secondary and primary schools, external providers, local and national businesses and be part of the British Science Week.
