Science

Science

At Parkside Academy, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. We encourage children to be inquisitive throughout their time at our school and beyond—supporting them to accumulate and connect knowledge, concepts and skills so they can make sense of the world around them.

We want our pupils to:

• Develop enquiring minds and a spirit of curiosity through vibrant, hands-on lessons.
• Use accurate vital vocabulary to talk and write like scientists.
• Ask questions, test ideas and evaluate evidence so they can explain what they have found out and why it matters.
• Understand how science connects to everyday life, our local environment and future careers.

We use and adapt CUSP Science to deliver a carefully sequenced curriculum across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Units are deliberately spaced and revisited so that key concepts and vocabulary are strengthened over time.  We ensure Working Scientifically skills are taught in every year group and deliberately woven through the content. Across the school, pupils study biology, chemistry and physics topics that build year on year. Children learn to work like scientists by regularly practising enquiry types and skills.

Enrichment and real-world science

We build cultural capital and spark excitement through:

• British Science Week and themed investigation days.
• Outdoor learning and local environment studies (observing living things, habitats and seasonal change).
• STEM links across the curriculum (e.g., data logging in Computing, materials in Design & Technology, health and the body in PE/PSHE).
• Pupil leadership and sustainability, including Eco-Warrior projects that apply scientific thinking to real change in our school.