Science
Science
Our vision is to give our children a Science curriculum which enables them to explore and discover the world around them, resulting in a deeper understanding. This involves exciting, practical hands on experiences that encourage curiosity and questioning. We aim for these stimulating and challenging experiences to help secure and extend their scientific knowledge and vocabulary. We believe that these opportunities will ensure that our children are confident learners, who will explore the world by posing insightful and inquisitive questions about the world around them.
Curriculum
Throughout the school we have two main aims for Science learning. Firstly, we aim to provide our children with a thorough foundation in Scientific knowledge and skills that will support their successful transition into secondary school learning. Secondly, we aim to instill in the children a curiosity and enthusiasm for Science.
Our scientists in foundation stage will begin to question and explore the world through hands on experiences and communicating what they observe.
Children in Key Stage 1 and 2 will have blocks of Science throughout the year. Each focused topic begins with a question being posed to the children; we believe this will encourage discussion and highlight children’s previous knowledge and misconceptions. This will allow us to tailor the learning to suit the needs of the class and encourage progression in their learning. Each topic is also linked to a scientist who has worked within that field; this supports children’s understanding of science as a career. The scientists are carefully selected to reflect our school community and provide great role models.
Within each topic, children are ‘working scientifically’ and expanding their scientific vocabulary and subject knowledge. They develop key skills such as collecting data, pattern seeking identifying and classifying. Through completing practical enquiries and exploring ideas children are given the opportunity to develop a strong core skill set including: predicting, experimenting and evaluating. Within the children’s learning they are encouraged to work collaboratively and communicate their ideas effectively whilst using a range of scientific language.
An essential aspect of Science is its practical nature. Alongside practical enquiries, classes will take part in trips, for example to the Natural History Museum and Hackney City Farm, and may be involved in Science workshops delivered by organisations visiting the school to stimulate further learning.
Click on the link below to see which topics are taught each year.
Useful Links
www.saps.org.uk/primary —A range of different investigations and explanation of terms.
www.hubblesite.org/the_telescope – Excellent images of stars and galaxies
www.kidsastronomy.com – Astronomy and space for children