Science

Science topics are taught within each year group in accordance with the National Curriculum. Topics are blocked to allow children to focus on developing their knowledge and skills, studying each topic in depth. Each year group will build upon the learning from prior year groups therefore developing depth of understanding and progression of skills. Children explore, question, predict, plan, carry out investigations and observations as well as conclude their findings. Children present their findings and learning using science specific language, observations and diagrams. There are regular opportunities to review the learning taken place in previous topics as well as previous lessons.

Teachers use assessment in each lesson to ensure misconceptions are highlighted and addressed. Differentiation is facilitated by teachers, to ensure that each pupil can access the science curriculum. Cross-curricular links are planned for, with other subjects such as Maths, English and Computing. Assessment of scientific skills is carried out throughout the year using TAPs focussed assessments.

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum supports children’s understanding of science through the planning and teaching of ‘Understanding the World.’ Children find out about objects, materials and living things using their senses looking at similarities, differences, patterns and change. Both the environment and skilled practitioners foster curiosity and encourage explorative play, children are motivated to ask questions about why things happen and how things work. Our children are encouraged to use their natural environment around them to explore. Children enjoy spending time outdoors exploring mini-beasts and their habitats, observing the changing seasons, plants and animals.