About this curriculum

We wish to build on children’s curiosity and sense of awe in the natural world and ensure children experience all five scientific enquiries: observation, testing, research, classifying and identifying and pattern seeking by becoming scientists in the classroom. It’s important that the children make sense of the world they live in and understand the processes and reasons why things happen. Ultimately, our aim is to develop children’s aspirations of potential careers in science through talking about the work of scientists and how they can make a difference to others and the world we live in. 

Intent

At Widey Court we believe that a high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and it is vital for the world’s future and prosperity. All children should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, children should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. Children should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. Children at Widey Court should work as scientists to explore through hands on (practical) activities to create a sense of awe and wonder about the world they live in. Science should encourage rich questioning which stimulates thinking and makes children want to find out the answers to these ‘real life’ problems. In order for children to achieve well, they must not only acquire the necessary knowledge but also understand its value, enjoy the experience of working scientifically and sustain their interest in learning it. Children will be exposed to all five types of scientific enquiry: observation over time, research, pattern seeking, classifying and identifying and comparative/fair testing. Children need to learn about scientists who have made a difference in society and think about the role they play in the real world. Through this they are more likely to continue to study science and use that learning for work and to contribute as informed citizens. 

In addition to the science curriculum the children will have the opportunity to develop their skills further through our Ocean Conservation Curriculum which provides pupils across our Connect family of schools a wonderful opportunity to learn about the sea. They discover how the ocean has shaped our planet, why it’s essential to all life on Earth, and how it needs to be protected for the future.

Implementation

Foundation Stage: 

Science is taught to the reception classes as an integral part of the topic work covered during the year, mainly through the ‘understanding the world’ strand. We relate the scientific aspects of the children’s work to the objectives set out in the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) which underpin the curriculum planning for children up to 5 years old.

Years 1-6: 

Science is taught based on the 2014 National Curriculum objectives. Science lessons should be rich in questioning and vocabulary to develop a deeper understanding of concepts, engaging and exciting. Learning should be inclusive for all learners, where differentiated activities or teacher/TA support is planned to ensure all children make progress. Children who grasp concepts quickly will be challenged through application activities/questions. This will give children opportunities to reason, explain and demonstrate their learning. Children should have a range of group and individual tasks, where children are solving problems, communicating with their peers and involved in hands on practical science. All lessons should be purposeful and inject a sense of excitement and anticipation as to what the children may be learning next. All lessons should be focused around the knowledge objectives of the National curriculum and also the working scientifically skills- how children are going to grasp the concepts in the lesson. Where possible- links to real life should be made and children should be working as scientists to promote independence in problem solving and thought processes. Opportunities for cross curricular learning and STEM activities are encouraged and for children to learn through discovery and play. Children should have opportunities to pose questions and have time to find the answers to these questions for themselves- deciding what line of enquiry they need to take. Some lessons may involve inviting in scientists, specialists and visitors to inspire the children and learn about potential careers in the science field to raise aspirations.  

Evolution will be taught in Year 6. We believe that teaching the topic early will provide children with a greater awareness of evolution of life on earth. Evolution is taught with respect for science, religion, and students’ personal beliefs which the class teacher will respect whilst teaching this topic. 

Impact

The children’s knowledge and understanding are assessed before each unit of work, through concept maps. This summarises knowledge and understanding of the key topic before a topic starts. They are used to refine and identify the starting points and level of challenge for the children’s lessons. Children also complete summative tests to assess their key understanding of the topic at the end of the unit as well as adding to their concept maps in a different colour to show the learning journey they have been on during the block of work. Alongside lesson-by-lesson assessment for learning, teachers will decide whether children are working below at or above the National Curriculum expectations for their year group. To aid this deep understanding, the implementation of ROCKS is used as an assessment tool to track knowledge and skills learnt. Children’s work is evidenced in a variety of ways in their science books and class displays which demonstrate their key understanding and skills they have acquired. Children will be asked to edit and improve their work as their learning develops.

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School Admin Assistant 📞📝 Closing date is Monday 7th October at 9am. To apply, please complete an application form on the Connect website (link below)
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Congratulations to our KS2 Progress and Courtesy Cup Winners this week! Very proud of you all! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Halloween Disco Date! Thank you to our wonderful PTFA. 🎃🎃🎃🎃
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Well done to Buzzard Class for winning the Attendance Shield this morning! Every day counts at Widey and that is certainly the case here! 99.5%! Wowzers!!!! 🤓🤓🥳🤩
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We also sadly say goodbye to Miss Jenkins in EYFS who has secured a teaching job! We wish you the very best of luck! ⭐️💕⭐️💕
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She hates a photo and a hug but today she is getting both! We will miss you so much! Miss Jewell! Thank you for being such an important part of the heart of the school! Good luck in your new venture! 💕⭐️💕⭐️
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We are having fun at the PTFA Stay and Play event for the EYFS children and parents! ⭐️⭐️⭐️Anna from Frozen even joined us for some singing and dancing too!
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Throughout the day, a few classes and groups of children have pressed our own Widey apples from the orchard with the help of Dave Curno and his apple pressing kit! 🍎🍏Thank you to Mrs O’Connor and and the Eco Council for organising this! From tree to juice! It was absolutely delicious! 🍏🍎
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NEW VACANCY School Admin Assistant 📝📞 If you are interested in working with us, please complete an application form available on the Connect website: https://www.connectacademytrust.co.uk/vacancies You can find full details and a job specification on the Connect website. If you have any questions relating to this post, please contact gdingley@wideycourt.plymouth.sch.uk Please share! 💚💚💚
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Winners!!! Ooooh it was close!!! Can’t wait for the next one!
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We are Quiz ready!!! 🎤🎤 Thank you to the PTFA for organising the night! Let the quiz commence! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Mr Nicholls and Mrs Llewellyn enjoyed our celebratory ‘Good Manners Tea Party’ this afternoon! Wonderful company! ⭐️💚
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Come and work with us! ✏️⭐️ Current vacancies available: - School Admin Assistant - KS1 Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Lunchtime Playleaders For more information and to apply, please visit the Connect website to download an application form. https://www.connectacademytrust.co.uk/vacancies All application forms are to be emailed to gdingley@wideycourt.plymouth.sch.uk 💚💚💚
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The new EYFS children enjoyed their first dinner time today! What grown up superstars they were! ⭐️💚🍽️ We are looking forward to welcoming the parents this week to join their child for a dinner session!
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🔔⛪️ St Mary’s Church Tamerton Foliot PL5 4NZ If you would like to have a go at bellringing and trails around St Mary’s Church, please come and visit on Saturday 7th September 10am - 2pm. Everyone is welcome!
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School Admin Assistant Vacancy 📝📞 If you are interested in working with us, please complete an application form available on the Connect website: https://www.connectacademytrust.co.uk/vacancies Full details and a job specification will be uploaded to the Connect website soon. If you have any questions relating to this post, please contact gdingley@wideycourt.plymouth.sch.uk Please share! 💚💚💚
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Meet the Teacher meetings over the next few weeks and your child’s Class Assembly date! ⭐️This has also been emailed to you today!
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Do you have a child starting school in September 2025? Come and join our Widey Court Family! ⭐️💚We look forward to welcoming you on one of our open days! Please phone or email the school office to book your place⭐️💚 Please share with friends and family.
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