Our Science curriculum aims to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena and an understanding of how the scientific community contributes to our past, present and future. We want pupils to develop a complex knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, but also adopt a broad range of skills in working scientifically and beyond. Our scheme of work is inclusive and meaningful, so all pupils may experience the joy of science and make associations between their science learning and their lives outside the classroom. Studying science allows children to appreciate how new knowledge and skills can be fundamental to solving arising global challenges. Our curriculum aims to encourage critical thinking and empower pupils to question the hows and whys of the world around them.
We use the Kapow scheme to help inform our Science planning. We aim to develop knowledge and skills across three key areas:
- Scientific knowledge and understanding: observing, studying and explaining the physical world.
- Working scientifically: using different methods of scientific enquiry to understand the world around us.
- Science in action: how science can be used and its impact on our day-to-day lives.
Scientific knowledge and understanding:
The children's Scientific knowledge and understanding is developed in seven key areas:
- Plants
- Animals including humans
- Living things and their habitats
- Materials
- Energy
- Forces, Earth and space
- Making connections
Key concepts, skills and knowledge in each of the strands builds year on year, with the children revisiting the above key areas above regularly as they go through the school. See grid below to see how the key areas are revisited.
Working scientifically:
This aspect of Science encourages the children to develop their understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
Science in action:
We aim for the children at St Nicholas to be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
We offer a wide range of experiences, visitors and trips which allow our children to be immersed in Science, giving them those 'WOW' moments as well as ensuring that they develop a secure knowledge of the subject.
Reception follow the EYFS framework with regards to their Curriculum content. Science comes under the heading ' Understanding the World' and the content includes:
The Natural World
Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants. • Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class. • Understand some important processes and changes in the natural world around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter.
The children's learning is very much 'play based' to allow them to explore their world around them.
National Science week - 11th March 2024
We joined in National Science week, with different classes completing different experiments. See below for some of the experiments we carried out.
We ran a competition during Science week. The children had to record an experiment or research a topic. We had an amazing response to the competition. Well done to our Winners who enjoyed a special magic Science show!
