Science at Martock Primary School

Science Curriculum Rationale

Martock Primary School has chosen to adopt the Kapow Primary Science Scheme of Work as the foundation for its science curriculum. This decision is based on the scheme's strong alignment with the National Curriculum, its focus on progressive and interactive learning, and its excellent provision of hands-on exploration opportunities that expose pupils to diverse role models in science.

The Kapow Primary Science Scheme of Work provides a comprehensive and coherent curriculum that meets the requirements of the National Curriculum for science. It is structured around the key areas of biology, chemistry, and physics, ensuring that pupils develop a well-rounded understanding of scientific concepts and principles. The scheme's spiral curriculum design allows for the revisiting and reinforcement of crucial knowledge and skills, enabling pupils to build upon their prior learning and deepen their understanding over time.

The Kapow scheme is particularly well-suited to the needs of Martock Primary School's diverse pupil population. The interactive and practical nature of the lessons, combined with the inclusion of diverse role models, helps to engage and inspire all pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The scheme's focus on developing pupils' scientific enquiry skills, such as observation, prediction, and fair testing, aligns with the school's aim to foster independent learning and problem-solving abilities.

Furthermore, the Kapow scheme's strong emphasis on vocabulary development and the explicit teaching of key scientific concepts supports the school's efforts to address the identified areas for improvement, particularly in relation to the progress and outcomes of SEND pupils. The scheme's well-structured lesson plans and comprehensive teacher guidance help to ensure that all staff, including those with varying levels of subject knowledge, can deliver high-quality science lessons that meet the needs of all pupils.

2. Whole School Aims

The Kapow Primary Science Scheme of Work aligns seamlessly with Martock Primary School's vision and values. The school's belief in giving staff and children the chance to flourish in a nurturing environment with excellent opportunities is reflected in the scheme's focus on practical, hands-on learning and the exploration of diverse scientific role models.

The school's core values of kindness, perseverance, respect, and collaboration are also strongly embedded within the Kapow scheme. Pupils are encouraged to work collaboratively, respect each other's ideas, and persevere in their scientific investigations, all while demonstrating kindness and consideration for their peers.

As a "No Outsiders" school where everyone is different and everyone is included, Martock Primary School is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable education for all. The Kapow scheme's emphasis on diversity and representation in science helps to foster a sense of belonging and inspire all pupils, regardless of their background or ability, to engage with and excel in the subject.

3. Subject Vision

The overarching aim of the science curriculum at Martock Primary School is to ignite a lifelong passion for scientific exploration and discovery. By providing pupils with a rich and engaging learning experience, the school hopes to empower them to become curious, critical thinkers who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make sense of the world around them.

This vision aligns closely with the school's improvement priorities, particularly in relation to the progress and outcomes of SEND pupils. The Kapow scheme's focus on scaffolding and differentiation, as well as its emphasis on developing independent learning skills, will help to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access and thrive within the science curriculum.

Furthermore, the school's commitment to improving attainment and outcomes in the Early Years, including the pre-school, is supported by the Kapow scheme's strong foundation in early years science. The scheme's age-appropriate activities and emphasis on hands-on exploration will help to foster a love of science from the earliest stages of a child's education, laying the groundwork for future success.

4. Communication with Stakeholders

To ensure the successful implementation of the Kapow Primary Science Scheme of Work, Martock Primary School will engage in a comprehensive communication strategy with all stakeholders, including staff, pupils, parents, and governors.

For staff, the school will provide extensive training and support to develop their subject knowledge and pedagogical skills. This will include regular CPD sessions, opportunities for collaborative planning, and access to the high-quality resources and guidance provided by the Kapow scheme.

Pupils will be informed about the school's science curriculum through class-based discussions, displays, and celebrations of their achievements. This will help to foster a sense of ownership and engagement, encouraging pupils to take an active role in their learning.

Parents will be kept informed about the science curriculum through regular newsletters, curriculum evenings, and opportunities to engage with their child's learning, such as science-themed family workshops. This will help to strengthen the home-school partnership and ensure that parents are equipped to support their child's progress in science.

Governors will be provided with detailed information about the science curriculum, including its rationale, implementation, and impact on pupil outcomes. This will enable them to provide effective oversight and challenge, ensuring that the curriculum is meeting the needs of all pupils and addressing the school's improvement priorities.

5. Addressing Inspection Feedback

The Kapow Primary Science Scheme of Work directly addresses the key areas for improvement identified in the school's most recent Ofsted inspection.

Firstly, the scheme's focus on developing pupils' scientific knowledge and skills, as well as its clear identification of the key concepts and vocabulary that pupils need to learn, will help to address the inspectors' concern that the school has not identified the specific knowledge it wants pupils to learn. The scheme's spiral curriculum design and emphasis on revisiting and reinforcing crucial content will ensure that pupils build upon their prior learning and develop a secure understanding of scientific concepts.

Secondly, the Kapow scheme's comprehensive teacher guidance and focus on effective teaching strategies will support the school in improving the consistency of curriculum implementation across subjects and age groups. The scheme's clear expectations for pedagogy, combined with the school's planned CPD and subject leadership development, will help to ensure that all teachers are equipped to deliver high-quality science lessons that meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.

Finally, the Kapow scheme's emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and the inclusion of diverse scientific role models will help to address the inspectors' concerns about the early years environment and the need to promote curiosity and exploration. The scheme's age-appropriate activities and focus on developing scientific enquiry skills will ensure that children in the pre-school and Reception classes have ample opportunities to practice and explore new learning, supported by staff with strong subject knowledge.

By adopting the Kapow Primary Science Scheme of Work, Martock Primary School is taking a proactive and evidence-based approach to addressing the areas for improvement identified by Ofsted, while also aligning the Science curriculum with the school's vision, values, and improvement priorities.