Science

Vision

Our vision is to ensure that children across the whole school develop an enquiring mind about the world around them. From play-based exploration through to methodical investigation and research, all children will broaden their knowledge of a range of scientific concepts. They will be encouraged to explore ‘big questions’ about how the world around them works, enjoy investigations and begin to learn how to discuss what they have found out. The ways in which science impacts on all of our lives will be explored, demonstrating the practical uses of what they learn.

Curriculum Intentions

• To engage in and explore the world around them

• Understand their place in school, home and local community

• Develop understanding of the natural and human world around them through first-hand practical experiences

• Broaden, explore and test ideas about everyday phenomena and the relationships between living things.

• Deepen knowledge of scientific concepts, & encounter & explore more abstract scientific concepts

The Journey from Semi-Formal to Formal

Within the semi-formal pathway, science will be play-based and experiential. Lessons will utilise children’s natural curiosity and interest in the world as they are encouraged to explore concepts and changes. They will be given the tools to be able to communicate what it is that they have found out from their investigations and to develop explanations for what they have seen. They will begin to use their own ideas to sort and classify following their own ideas for groups.

As children progress through towards a formal pathway, they will take part in practical experiences that will further their understanding of the natural and human world. Their own interests will be developed and pursued as they begin to investigate ideas, learning how to describe a fair test and make predictions about what they may see. They will collect and record data, developing confidence using a range of equipment, and will learn how to discuss what their results have shown and what conclusions they may be able to make from this. Topics will cover areas of biology, chemistry and physics, including such areas as the digestive system, states of matter and light and dark.