Vision Statement
At Woodside, we build the science capital of our children by igniting curiosity and creating enthusiastic, young scientists with a passion to deepen their knowledge of our incredible world. Through our dynamic and hands-on science curriculum we promote critical thinking, creativity and teach an in-depth understanding of the key scientific principles.
We follow the CUSP (Curriculum Unity Schools Partnership) Science curriculum which pays close attention to guidance provided by the National Curriculum sequence and content. It is infused with evidence-led practice and enriched with retrieval studies to ensure long-term retention of foundational knowledge. CUSP’s ambitious interpretation of the National Curriculum places knowledge, vocabulary, working and thinking scientifically at the heart of our principles, structure and practice. CUSP Science precisely follows the units outlined in the National Curriculum. Through studying CUSP science, pupils become ‘a little more expert’ as they progress through the curriculum, accumulating, connecting and making sense of the rich substantive and disciplinary knowledge.
Our study of the natural and physical world through observation, hypothesising and experimentation encourages our children to articulate their findings and analyse results. They learn how to ask scientific questions, carry out experiments, and explore the wonders of life, earth, and physical sciences. We promote high level oracy in order for children to be confident and accurate in communicating effectively and exchanging ideas. From investigating how plants grow to understanding the forces that shape our planet, we encourage our children to think like scientists—curious, resilient, and reflective.
At Woodside we are committed to providing a science curriculum that:
• Sparks curiosity and develops problem-solving skills through practical, hands-on investigations.
• Builds a strong foundation in scientific concepts, preparing children for future learning.
• Promotes environmental awareness, encouraging our children to care for and protect the world they live in.
• Integrates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) education to prepare children for the rapidly evolving world.
• Encourages children to use scientific language and communicate their ideas with confidence.
• Showcases diverse scientists to ensure every child feels represented and valued.
