Science
The key elements of learning taught in the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics support children to develop the foundations for understanding the world. All pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. We aim to ignite pupils’ curiosity about natural phenomena and encourage them to confidently explore and discover the world around them. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, we aim to encourage our pupils to recognise the power of rational explanation.
Through our practical and engaging curriculum, we link knowledge learning to practical experimentation and experiences. This is conducted in line with the ‘plan, do, record, review’ approach which enables children to link their observations to experiments and demonstrations to scientific knowledge, including conceptual knowledge.
In addition, the teaching of science will promote and develop transferable skills such as observation, communication and teamwork and allow mathematical and English skills to be applied.
Understanding of key concepts in science is built on across the key stages and a progression of skills allows pupils to move from early observations and exploration to considered questioning and drawing out of ideas.
Cumulative knowledge acquisition in Key Stage 1 and 2 is developed in line with key national curriculum strands:
Science programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In the EYFS, science is included within the Understanding the World area of learning. As with other learning in Foundation, your child will mainly learn about science through games and play – which objects float and sink during water play, for example. Activities such as these will help your child to develop important skills such as observation, prediction and critical thinking.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6)
The content of science teaching and learning is set out in the 2014 National Curriculum for primary schools in England. Within this, certain topics and areas are repeated across year groups, meaning that children may revisit a particular topic in each year of primary school but with increasing difficulty and with a different focus each time.
For example, the area of animals, including humans is examined in every single year group, with a very clear progression of knowledge and understanding over the six years:
In Year 1 this involves: looking at the human body, recognising animal groups and sorting these animals.
By Year 6, this will have developed into knowing the internal structure of the human body in relation to circulation, classifying living things based on more complex characteristics and exploring scientific research into this classification.
At Lytchett Matravers Primary School our science curriculum aims to ensure that by te time they leave our school, all pupils:
- Have a thirst for finding out ‘why’ things happen
- Know how to complete fair tests
- Pose questions and come up with ways that they can be answered
- Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
- Different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Working Scientifically at Lytchett Matravers Primary
Please find below our Curriculum Overview for Working Scientifically at Lytchett Matravers Primary School When learning how to work scientifically, our children develop their knowledge of:
- Methods used to answer questions.
- Apparatus and techniques including measurements.
- How to analyse data.
- How to use evidence to give an explanation.
When Working Scientifically, children will be using appropriate methods of recording their investigations, below are examples of the formats that are used at Lytchett Matravers Primary School. Children are encouraged to use a wide range of strategies to record their learning, including labelled diagrams, modelling, drama, role play, oral presentations and physical kinetic activities.
Children across all year groups have a wide range of experiences to develop their understanding of the Working Scientifically objectives. These practical activities, give children the opportunity to experience the world around them in stimulating ways. At Lytchett Matravers Primary School, we value the hands- on approach to learning. Take a look at our Year 3 Plants investigations and our Year 5 Separating Materials tasks.
The following documents are our Knowledge Organisers for each year group for the first half-of the Summer Term. These outline the focus of learning for each topic. They are documents that are shared with the children and referred to throughout their topic. They provide a clear map of the progression of skills that children will be encouraged to use to support their understanding.