Our entire curriculum, including Science, is underpinned by the Parable of ‘The Wise and Foolish Builders’
The Wise and Foolish Builders
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
At Oakbridge, our science curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and foster a deep understanding of the natural world. We introduce science as the study of the world around us—how things work, change, and interact. This helps pupils develop a sense of awe, wonder and appreciation for the processes that shape our lives and environment.
We emphasise that evidence is at the heart of science. Pupils learn to ask questions, make predictions, and carry out investigations using observations, measurements, and experiments. They explore how scientific ideas are based on evidence and how conclusions are drawn from what we can observe and test. Pupils discover that science is a dynamic and evolving subject. They learn that scientific understanding can change over time as new discoveries are made and new technologies emerge. This teaches them to think critically, evaluate information, and remain open to new ideas.
We help pupils build a picture of their place in the scientific world, understanding that science is divided into key disciplines—biology, chemistry, and physics—each offering unique insights into the world. Pupils explore how scientific knowledge has developed over time and how it continues to shape our future. We explore how patterns and systems are recurring themes in science. Pupils investigate how living things are grouped, how materials behave, and how forces and energy interact. These themes help them make meaningful connections across different topics and real-life contexts.
We place a strong emphasis on learning through hands-on experiences, fostering a sense of excitement and discovery. Our curriculum encourages practical investigations, outdoor learning, and the use of real-world examples to make science engaging and tangible.
Our curriculum encourages children to see science not just as a subject, but as a way of understanding and interacting with the world around them—preparing them to become thoughtful, informed, and responsible citizens of the future.
Oakbridge Science Curriculum Overview
How we support children with SEND in Science
Science has great potential for pupils with SEND to learn about the world they live in. There are interesting practical activities to be done, presenting opportunities for real discovery and thought-provoking discussion. Carefully organised, the practical work in science can enable pupils to achieve in ways that are less frequently available in other subjects, and make an important contribution to a learner’s confidence and self-esteem.
A member of Dales Academies Trust