Science at Diamond Wood

We will provide children with an ambitious and investigative curriculum

with an emphasis on scientific vocabulary and enquiry in lessons.

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we want all of our pupils to develop a deep sense of awe and wonder about the world around them from an early age. We are extremely passionate about promoting and developing their inquisitive minds and curiosity about natural phenomena. During their time here with us at Diamond Wood, our pupils will become mini scientists. Through the very earliest stages and disciplines of biology, chemistry, and physics, they will be progressively taught the essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes, and uses of science. 

Click here to read our full Science vision and intent statement.

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 is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils 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, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

National Curriculum (2014)

Position Statement

We are constantly striving to improve our Science Curriculum in order to ensure our intended and implemented teaching and learning opportunities have the maximum impact upon pupil outcomes.

Click here to read our position statement and find out about our areas for development this year.

Science Timetable

Here at Diamond Wood, we teach Science as a discrete subject in Years 1 and 2 (Key Stage 1). The pupils participate in blocked lessons every half term.

In Nursery and Reception (EYFS) pupils have at least three dedicated key worker sessions or inputs focusing specifically on 'Understanding the World' each half term. During each half term, additional opportunities for children to develop and consolidate their learning are provided during their continuous and enhanced provision time, both indoors and outdoors.

Science Leaders

Our Science Leaders are Mrs Lyons and Mrs Tombling. They are also EYFS teachers and are both very passionate about providing high quality science learning experiences for all pupils.

If you would like to speak to Mrs Lyons and Mrs Tombling you can email them via office@diamondwoodacademy.co.uk and address the email to them specifically.

Statutory Requirements

The National Curriculum for science sets out the statutory guidance for teaching science to KS1 pupils. Our science curriculum has been designed to ensure that children learn the required knowledge and skills set out by the National Curriculum for science.

To view the statutory guidance for science click here.

The Early Years Foundation Stage framework provides guidance for teachers focusing on developing children's scientific awareness and knowledge within the Early Years (Nursery and Reception). The main areas for learning which are focused upon to provide the building blocks for future 'science' learning are as follows;

Understanding the World: The Natural World
Communication and Language

For more information on how these areas of learning have been built into our science curriculum please see our progression map below.

Science Policy

We have developed and produced a Science Policy to ensure our values are applied consistently, define clear expectations, and help provide a framework for staff and pupils alike. Please click here to view our Science Curriculum policy which has been updated for the academic year 2023-2024.

Our Science Long Term Plan

Substantive and Disciplinary Concepts

To download this as a document click here.

Science Progression Map

Our science curriculum progression map has been designed to show how we intend to teach our pupils the substantive, disciplinary and vocabulary knowledge we aim for them to learn, know, remember and do by the end of their time with us here at Diamond Wood.

In designing this progression map we have consulted with our local feeder schools and settings in order to ensure our pupils experiences before and after coming to our school allow for progression of knowledge and skills to be built upon and continue.

The progression map allows all staff and key stakeholders in school to have a secure understanding of end of year expectations for all year groups.

In addition to using the progression map to guide teaching and learning, our science subject leaders create half termly Medium Term Plans for all year groups. These plans clearly outline the sequence of teaching and learning which will take place during the particular unit of work (or planned opportunities in Nursery and Reception). This supports our educators in ensuring consistency in approach, opportunity and delivery across school, where we have four classes per year group.

The subject leader also creates and sources high quality resources which support the teaching and learning taking place. Our smartboard lesson aids provide additional planning notes and activity resources which can be accessed by any adults delivering lessons. This supports the continued professional development of our Educational Teaching Assistants, Cover Supervisors and also any supply teachers who work within school. Again, this ensures our high expectations are consistent across school at all times.

To view our science curriculum progression map please click here.

To view our 'seasons' specific progression map please click here.

Key Vocabulary

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we recognise the crucial role that vocabulary plays in pupils’ learning and academic success. As such, we have developed a vocabulary progression map for each subject curriculum to ensure that all our pupils have a strong foundation in subject-specific vocabulary.

Vocabulary is the foundation upon which pupils build their understanding of different subjects. Tier 3 words, which are subject-specific terms, play a particularly significant role in deepening pupils’ knowledge and enabling them to access complex concepts effectively. By explicitly teaching and reinforcing Tier 3 words within each subject, we aim to:

Enhance pupils’ comprehension and communication skills.
Enable pupils to express themselves accurately and confidently in subject-specific contexts.
Facilitate pupils’ ability to independently access and understand subject materials.
Support pupils’ critical thinking by developing their subject-specific knowledge and expertise.
Improve pupils’ overall academic performance and raise attainment levels.

To view our Science Key Vocabulary Glossary please click here.

Specialist Support and Enriching the Curriculum

As a school, we provide many opportunities to enrich our curriculum. Opportunities for enrichment are fully utilised, to ensure an inclusive and engaging Science Curriculum. Our Science Curriculum is closely aligned with our geography curriculum, outdoor learning curriculum, and eco schools work. By creating meaningful connections between these subjects, we aim to enhance our pupils' knowledge, skills, and attitudes, while promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we pride ourselves on our commitment to making the world a better place for all. We are passionate about engaging all pupils, staff and families in environmental education and action. In order to support us on this journey, we are supported by Eco Schools and The Ministry of Eco Education.

Eco Schools is a charity organisation which provides a simple, seven-step framework that guides, empowers and motivates pupils to drive change and improve environmental awareness in their school, local community and beyond. The MEE brings together all the best sustainability teaching resources available into one cohesive and holistic curriculum for all primary schools in Britain. Diamond Wood is one of the original pioneer schools for the MEE.

Our bespoke spiral curriculum is supported by resources from the MEE and Eco Schools who provide a wealth of experience, highly engaging activities and valuable curriculum links. This ensures our Science, Eco and Outdoor Learning curriculum are progressive, challenging, and purposeful. We do not follow a published scheme for these subjects. Our curriculum is a bespoke, spiral curriculum, focussing on progression of knowledge, children’s interests and passions, ensuring these are valued and encouraged.

We are extremely proud to have been awarded the Eco Schools Green Flag accreditation three times, which recognises, rewards and celebrates the environmental achievements of our school and young learners. We are a fairtrade school and understand the importance of choosing fairtrade products to support farmers for fairness and equality, against some of the biggest challenges the world faces.

To find out more please click here to access our dedicated Eco Schools webpage.

Links to the Outdoor Learning Curriculum

Our outdoor learning curriculum is designed to promote exploration, discovery, and a hands-on approach to learning in natural environments. We aim to foster a love for the outdoors and encourage children to develop a sense of wonder about the natural world around them. Through outdoor learning, we seek to enhance pupils' understanding of scientific concepts through practical experiences.

In Nursery and Reception, our outdoor learning activities are aligned with the Early Learning Goals set out in the EYFS framework, particularly in the 'Understanding the World' and 'Expressive Arts and Design' areas. Outdoor learning provides opportunities for pupils to observe and investigate the natural environment, developing their skills in making simple scientific observations and comparisons. Through activities such as bug hunts, plant identification, and weather observations, children are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, and explore the scientific principles that underpin the world around them.

In Years 1 and 2, learning serves as a platform for conducting practical science investigations, allowing pupils to apply scientific knowledge in real-world contexts. We integrate outdoor learning with the Science Curriculum, creating cross-curricular connections with subjects such as Geography, Design and Technology, and Art. Pupils engage in activities such as planting and growing, animal habitats study, and environmental conservation projects, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and the importance of sustainability.

To find out more please click here to access our dedicated Outdoor Learning webpage.

Links to the Geography Curriculum

Our school aims to provide a rich and interconnected learning experience that enables pupils to develop a deep understanding of both Science and Geography concepts, while fostering a sense of curiosity, respect for the environment, and a desire to explore and understand the world around them. The Geography and Science curriculum are intertwined through cross-curricular themes such as "Exploring Habitats" and "Weather and Seasons" to provide a holistic learning experience. Our curriculum identifies key concepts that are relevant across both subjects, ensuring that pupils develop a coherent understanding of topics such as environmental sustainability. Opportunities for practical and hands-on activities are embedded within lessons to encourage exploratory learning and application of scientific and geographical skills.

To find out more please click here to access our dedicated Geography subject page.

Learn to speak like a Scientist...

Developing SMSC within our Science Curriculum

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we are committed to providing a science curriculum that not only imparts knowledge and skills but also promotes the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of our pupils. We believe that science offers excellent opportunities for pupils to develop in these areas, and we integrate SMSC elements throughout our science curriculum for EYFS and KS1. Our educators integrate SMSC elements into science lessons through carefully crafted learning activities, discussions, and resources. We use real-life examples and case studies to illustrate how science impacts individuals, communities, and cultures, promoting empathy and understanding. Visits to local natural spaces, parks, or environmental places of interest are organised to provide first-hand experiences that foster SMSC development.

Developing British Values within our Science Curriculum

At Diamond Wood Community Academy, we are dedicated to promoting the fundamental British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We believe that these values should be embedded across all aspects of our curriculum, including the science curriculum in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1). The table below outlines how we intend to integrate British values within our science curriculum. By embedding British values within our science curriculum, we aim to foster well-rounded and responsible citizens who understand and appreciate the values that underpin our society.

Developing the Protected Characteristics within our Science Curriculum

The table below outlines how our school incorporates the development of protected characteristics within the science curriculum for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1). The aim is to ensure that our school provides an inclusive and supportive environment for all pupils, promoting equality and diversity. Our school provides regular training and resources for staff to increase awareness and understanding of the protected characteristics and their relevance within the science curriculum. This training equips teachers with the knowledge and tools to effectively address and promote inclusivity within the classroom.