Science

At New Cangle Community Primary School, we support all pupils to become scientists by developing skills, knowledge and a curiosity of the world around them. We use Curriculum Maestro to build our bespoke Science curriculum to fit the needs of our children (see Curriculum for more details of how we use Curriculum Maestro). 

Science is taught in projects which match the National Curriculum. The science projects are sequenced to develop the children’s knowledge and understanding and to make links to other subjects. For example, in Year 3, the projects Plant Nutrition and Reproduction and Light and Shadows are taught alongside the design and technology project Greenhouse and the art and design project Beautiful Botanicals. These links allow for children to embed their knowledge in new and often real-life contexts.

The sequencing of projects ensures that children have the knowledge and vocabulary to comprehend subsequent projects fully. Each project’s place in the year has been carefully considered. For example, projects that involve growing plants or observing animals are positioned at a suitable time of year to give children the best possible opportunity to make first-hand observations. Children are encouraged to think and work scientifically throughout their time at New Cangle, developing and building the ability to answer their own scientific questions through investigation and evaluate their results.

Each project is knowledge and vocabulary rich. Children and parents/carers are given knowledge organisers that contain the core knowledge and vocabulary at the start of each project. These are referred to throughout the projects.

For more information, please refer to Science Intent, Implementation & Impact Statement

Please see the following document for more detail about progression in knowledge and skills:

Science Curriculum Progression Map

Our school environment, such as the woodland area and pond, are used to enrich the children’s learning e.g. Year 5 use the school grounds to investigate seed dispersal and observe the life cycle of a frog in the pond area. We also take advantage of our proximity to the world-leading scientific centre of Cambridge with visits to the museums there. Recent trips include:

• Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
• Museum of Zoology
• Scott Polar Research Institute

Science is led by Mrs Berry who is passionate about making children aware of all the amazing career opportunities in STEM subjects. She enjoys the whole science curriculum from learning about the fascinating planets, stars and galaxies to trying to grow the tiniest seeds in her garden.