Intent

The intent of our Science curriculum is to

• To secure an understanding of the world around them through investigation of scientific ideas and concepts.
• To develop children’s curiosity by raising awareness of science all around them.
• Enable children to make links between science and other subjects in order to secure their knowledge and deepen understanding.
• Equip children with skills to work scientifically – different types of enquiry, working logically and sequentially.
• Complement the characteristics of effective learning – children will think critically, play and explore and learn in active ways.

How does our Science Curriculum link with our school values?

 We are considerate of the environment around us and are aware of the impact of our learning on our surroundings.

 We work collaboratively, respecting the views and opinions of others.

 We challenge ourselves, asking questions about the world around us.

 We derive our own enquiries to investigate as part of our learning.

Science in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Science in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is integrated into the Understanding the World (UTW) area of learning, focusing on fostering a child's natural curiosity and encouraging hands-on exploration of the natural and physical world. Key aspects include observing, asking "why" questions, gathering information, and performing simple tests through play and adult-led activities to build a foundational understanding of scientific concepts like life cycles, properties of materials, and forces. 

Goals of EYFS Science:

• Develop Early Skills:

  Build foundational scientific skills like observing, identifying, questioning, testing, and gathering data. 

• Introduce Concepts:

  Begin to introduce basic scientific concepts such as properties of materials, living things, natural processes, and cause and effect. 

• Support Communication:

  Enhance communication skills as children talk about their observations and experiences

• Foster Curiosity:

  Develop a love and passion for science and discovery from a young age. 

• Encourage Exploration:

  Provide opportunities for children to use their senses to explore natural materials, collections of objects, and the environment. 

Which topics do the children learn throughout the National Curriculum?

Year 1

 Plants 

  Animals, including humans

 Everyday materials   

 Seasonal changes

Year 2

  Living things and their habitats

 Plants

 Animals, including humans

 Uses of everyday materials

Year 3

 Plants       

 Animals, including humans

 Rocks   

 Light

Forces and Magnets      

Year 4

 Animals, including humans

 States of matter

 Sound

 Electricity

Year 5

 Living things and their habitats

 Animals, including humans

 Properties and changes of materials

 Earth and space

 Forces

Year 6

 Living things and their habitats

 Animals, including humans

 Evolution and inheritance

 Light

 Electricity 

As part of these topics the children also have the opportunity to 'work scientifically'

Working scientifically in Key Stages 1 and 2 (ages 5-11) involves developing skills to investigate the world through asking questions, observing, testing, and recording findings. While KS1 focuses on simple questions, close observation with basic equipment, and recording with drawings, KS2 progresses to planning comparative and fair tests, using standard units for measurement, and presenting data in various formats like bar charts and tables to draw evidence-based conclusions. 

Key Stages 1 (Ages 5-7)

In KS1, "working scientifically" involves:

• Asking questions:

  Pupils learn to ask simple questions about the world around them and recognize that these can be answered in different ways. 

• Observing and testing:

  They observe closely, use simple equipment, and perform basic tests to gather information. 

• Identifying and classifying:

  Children learn to group and classify objects and living things based on observable features. 

• Recording and suggesting answers:

  They gather and record data through simple drawings and use their observations to suggest answers to questions. 

Key Stages 2 (Ages 7-11)

As pupils progress to KS2, their working scientifically skills become more sophisticated: 

• Planning investigations:

  They plan and conduct simple practical enquiries and comparative and fair tests, changing one variable at a time while keeping others the same.

• Making and recording measurements:

  Students take more systematic and accurate measurements, using standard units and a range of equipment.

• Gathering and presenting data:

  They record findings in various formats, such as tables, bar charts, and simple line graphs.

• Drawing conclusions and communicating findings:

  Pupils use results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions, and report on their findings using appropriate scientific language.

• Suggesting improvements and raising further questions:

  They evaluate their methods and suggest improvements for their work or for future investigations.