Implementation
Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum (2014) and is carefully sequenced to enable children to build on their previous knowledge and acquire an understanding of new concepts.
In EYFS, we provide a stimulating environment where hands-on, enquiry-based activities nurture children’s curiosity and understanding of the world around them. Children in EYFS will also work scientifically by communicating their observations, making predictions and asking questions.
In Key Stage one and two we have developed key questions which apply to each science unit. These key questions encourage children to think critically about their science learning and engage in deep discussions using scientific vocabulary. Each unit is also linked to a scientist who has worked in that field to supports children’s understanding of science as a career.
Children across the school will develop practical science skills in their science units throughout the year. They will conduct a range of enquires under the categories of: observing phenomena over time, seeking patterns, conducting comparative and fair tests, conducting scientific research and identifying and classifying living and non-living things in the world around them. By engaging in practical enquiries, children will deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and develop their ability to work scientifically.
STEAM projects
STEAM projects integrate science, technology, engineering, art and maths into a specific project. STEAM projects are interwoven into our science units every term and enables children to apply their science learning to real-life settings and complete an engineering challenge which incorporates art and maths alongside it. Linking to design and technology, children will go through the process of researching existing models, designing their own model to fit a brief, make and test their creation and finally evaluating it. Examples of STEAM projects are making wooden moving toys to explain forces in action, creating an electrical game to deepen understanding around circuits and building bridges out of different resources to explore the properties of everyday materials. By going through this process, children will develop essential communication, leadership and problem-solving skills alongside their formal scientific learning.
Wider Curriculum
Various school trips are organised throughout the year to promote science learning in the wider curriculum. Examples of trips are visiting Clissold Park to go on a bug hunt, going to Hampstead Heath to investigate habitats and visiting the Science Museum. Science workshops in school are also delivered to further stimulate science learning and curiosity.
