Our science teaching and learning is based on the National Curriculum and gives children an opportunity to explore and discover the word around them confidently so that they have a deeper understanding of the world we live in. It starts in the early year’s curriculum where the children initially begin to make observations and comparisons when learning about living things and the world around them. Throughout our school setting we strive to stimulate the children’s natural curiosity and excitement by providing hands on opportunities for the children to understand important scientific concepts.
Threaded through our science teaching are opportunities for the children to work scientifically and develop features of scientific enquiry which include: asking questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways, observing closely using simple equipment, performing simple tests, identifying and classifying, using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions and gathering and recording data to help in answering questions.
Scientific vocabulary is progressively developed and promoted throughout each year, supporting the children’s growing confidence and ability to work scientifically and express their deepening understanding.
Many of the topics within the Early Years vary with the interests of the children, however these include living things, materials, lifecycles, seasonal changes, recycling, light and dark, simple forces. The topics covered, as outlined in the National Curriculum are: Year 1: Plants, Animals (including humans) Everyday materials, seasonal changes Year 2: Living things and their habitats, plants, animals (including humans), use of everyday materials