At Toft Hill Primary School, we aim to provide a high-quality science education providing the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. We recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in primary schools, we give the learning of Science the prominence it requires.
We follow the National Curriculum for Science, which aims to ensure that all children:
- Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- Are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
We want to inspire pupils to be curious and have a thirst for gaining knowledge and skills to help them to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things behave and analyse cause and effect. Through our curriculum, we aim to build an awareness of the impact of science on our lives and instil a curiosity and excitement to find out about the world that surrounds them.
The National Curriculum, and our school curriculum, organises the Science programmes of study under the following headings:
- Plants
- Living things & their habitats
- Animals Including humans
- Evolution and inheritance
- Materials
- Rocks
- States of matter
- Light
- Sound
- Forces and Movement
- Earth and Space
- Electricity
There is a programme of study, with clear expectations, for ‘Working Scientifically’ but this is also interwoven throughout the schemes of work for the above.
We teach science progressively through teaching key knowledge and the skills of working scientifically. We teach our children the importance of asking scientific questions about the world in which we live and investigating to find the answers.
When teaching science, we see it as essential that there is a clear progression of skills and knowledge. Throughout the different year groups, we have a focus on practical science which allows children to explore and discover. Planning focuses on working scientifically to investigate questions and develop vocabulary that the children should know. Teaching and learning takes place inside and outside the classroom so children can experience science in the world around them.
The science curriculum is organised and taught to allow children to have time to explore, by having the opportunity of hands on practical experiences, and investigate the science needed to answer the questions raised. Lessons incorporate a range of teaching strategies from independent tasks, paired and group work, including practical hands-on, which means that lessons are engaging and appeal to those with a variety of learning styles.
The anticipated impact of our Science curriculum is that children will leave our school well prepared for the next stage of their learning because they will;
- Meet the requirements of the National Curriculum for Science
- Explore and discover the science in the world around them.
- Develop their curiosity and ask relevant and purposeful questions.
- Use the skills they need to find answers to their questions.
Science Whole School Curriculum Overview
EYFS Reception Class Foundations for Science (1)
Year 1 Science Curriculum Intent
Year 2 Science Curriculum Intent
Year 3 Science Curriculum Intent
Year 4 Science Curriculum Intent
Year 5 Science Curriculum Intent
Year 6 Science Curriculum Intent