Science
Intent
Our core aims for science are to ensure that all children:
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Develop the skills needed to carry out scientific experiments
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Have the vocabulary to describe scientific processes
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Can ask questions about the world around them and plan investigations to find the answers
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Use scientific equipment with confidence
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Develop an inquisitive mind
This supports our school vision of our pupils experiencing a wide range of subjects, exploring their passions and taking ownership of their own learning by identifying areas of interest.
Implementation
We believe that the following are key ingredients in developing competent scientists at Sayes Court: regular, hands-on experiments; accessing a range of science equipment; effective teaching of scientific vocabulary and opportunities to apply it in lessons; experiments based on though-provoking questions; presenting information in science in a variety of ways such as graphs and tables; opportunities to ask questions and plan experiments to answer them.
What this looks like in practice:
- In EYFS, pupils begin to learn some key language that will support them in their science learning e.g. describing materials.
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In Years 1 – 6, pupils experience a spiral curriculum where learning builds upon concepts taught in previous year groups.
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In Years 1 – 6, science lessons are a minimum of 1 hour per week.
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Science experiments are a key part of every lesson where this is possible.
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Children use a range of equipment independently, at age-appropriate levels, in order to conduct experiments. They are taught how to use the equipment safely and use safety apparatus.
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Children record their data in a range of ways. This should include clear links to maths through the use of graphs and charts.
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Children are supported to write predictions and conclusions, drawing on their scientific knowledge.
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Scientific vocabulary is promoted in lessons and pupils are supported to use the language through knowledge organisers.
Schemes , programmes and resources used to support science :
Developing Expert
To find out more about the scheme ,click on the link below.
Impact
The impact of our science curriculum is:
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Our pupils attain well in science and their progress between years is good
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Our children develop the skills they need to safely utilise a range of scientific equipment
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Pupils develop the skills needed to record their scientific learning in a variety of ways, including written methods and graphs and charts. This links to core skills and maximises learning across the curriculum
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Pupils develop appropriate scientific vocabulary and use this with confidence
SMSC in science
Science is key to supporting children to question, and discover, the wonder and beauty of the natural world. Experiments promote awe and wonder and lead children to ask the big questions in life. Pupils often have to work in groups to be successful in science which promotes social development. Through exploring the work and findings of various scientists, pupil develop an understanding of the moral questions in science as well as how spirituality and science can be linked.
Science Topics by Year Group
Year group |
Nursery |
Reception |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
Year 6 |
Autumn 1 |
Exploring Autumn Value: Respect Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Diversity
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Value: Respect Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Diversity
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Animals including humans- About Animals Value: Respect Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Diversity
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Animals including humans- Health and Diet Value: Respect Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Equality
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Animals including humans-What makes us Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Equality
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Animals including humans-Food and Digestion
Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Independence EDI
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Studying living things
Value: Mutual respect Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Inclusion
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Animals including humans- Blood transportation Value: Respect Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Diversity
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Autumn 2 |
Sparkle and Shine Value: Honesty Learning Habit: Resilience EDI:
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Value: Tolerance Learning Habit: Resilience EDI: Diversity
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Exploring Everyday Materials Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Honesty EDI
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Everyday Materials Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Independence EDI
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Magnets Value: Rule of law Learning Habit: Resilience EDI: Diversity
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States of matter
Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Resilience EDI
Trip : Science Museum |
Properties of materials
Value: Honesty Learning Habit: Independence EDI
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Light
Value: Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI:
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Spring 1 |
Winter Wonderland Value: Kindness Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Inclusion
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Value: Kindness Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Diversity
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Seasonal Changes Value: Tolerance Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Diversity
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Living things and their Habitats
Value: Mutual Respect Learning Habit: Resilience EDI: Diversity
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Exploring the world of plants
Value: Kindness Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Inclusion
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Classifying living things and their habitats
Value: Respect Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Diversity
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Earth and space
Value: Kindness Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Diversity
Trip: Planetarium |
Living things and their habitats Value: Mutual Respect Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Equality
Trip: Bird world
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Spring 2 |
Puddles and Rainbows Value: Tolerance Learning Habit: Independence EDI:
Trip: In school farm/ Zoolab Wisely garden
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Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Diversity
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Uses of Everyday Materials Value: Respect Learning Habit: Resilience EDI:
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Living things and their habitats – Habitats around the world
Value: Empathy Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Diversity |
Rocks
Value: Tolerance Learning Habit: Independence EDI
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Sound Value: Tolerance Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI
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Changes of materials
Value: Tolerance Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Diversity
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Evolution and inheritance
Value: Tolerance Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Diversity
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Summer 1 |
Build it up
Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: |
Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Diversity
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Introduction to Plants Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Independence EDI
Trip : Local Farm |
Plants Growth and care
Value: Respect Learning Habit: Independence EDI
Trip : Wisely garden |
Light
Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Independence EDI
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Electricity Value:Tolerance Learning Habit: Independence EDI
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Forces
Value: Curiosity Learning Habit: Independence EDI:
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Electricity Value: Tolerance Learning Habit: Independence EDI
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Summer 2 |
Animal Safari Value: Mutual respect Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI
Activity: Incredible Eggs
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Value:Respect Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Diversity
Trip : At seaside
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Animals including Humans- About Me
Value: Respect Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Diversity
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Animals including Humans-Growth
Value: Respect Learning Habit: Independence EDI
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Plants lifecycle Value: Kindness Learning Habit: Independence EDI: Diversity
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Living things and their habitats -Nature and the environment Value: Kindness Learning Habit: Cooperation EDI: Equality
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Animals including humans – The human life cycle
Value: Respect Learning Habit: Resilience EDI: Inclusion
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Animals including humans -The heart and health Value: Respect Learning Habit: Resilience EDI
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Progression of Skills and Knowledge
Progression of Skills and Knowledge in Science – Working scientifically:
NB: Investigations and experiments need to be happening on a regular basis, at least biweekly, in order to show progression in these skills.
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Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
Year 6 |
Asking questions / beginning enquiries |
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Carrying out tests |
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Recording information |
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Explaining results |
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Progression of Skills in Science – Scientific knowledge:
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Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
Year 6 |
Animals including humans |
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Living things |
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Materials / states of matter |
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Plants |
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Light and sound |
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Forces and magnets |
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Electricity |
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Year group specific |
Seasonal changes
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Earth and Space
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Evolution and inheritance
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