Science

 

 

Intent

Our children come into school with enquiring minds, excited about the world around them. We know this because the early years team share this feedback with us. We want to build on this enthusiasm and natural wonder about the world because we know that these provide the foundations for all scientific learning. We want our children to develop a range of skills such as observation, prediction, communication and questioning through first hand experiences and practical investigations. We aim to develop the children’s scientific vocabulary in order for them to communicate finding effectively and justify their reasoning. We know the correlation between vocabulary size and life chances is as firm as any correlation in educational research. By the end of KS1 we want our children to be able to ask questions, develop a hypothesis and then test it by carrying out a 'fair test'. This will enable them to move into KS2 where they will build on this foundation.

 

Implementation

We made a decision to design our own science curriculum based on national curriculum programmes of study. The previous commercial scheme we used we felt was too rigid and did not meet our children’s needs. We have created a robust progression map that sequences scientific skills and knowledge. We then sit topics on this and where appropriate link areas of science to other curriculum areas. For example, in year 2 the topic ‘animals and their habitats’ has cross-curricular links to the geography topic ‘around the world’. Our curriculum design and progression map are revisited throughout EYFS and KS1 to enable children to consolidate and make progress. Visitors such as Animals in hand and Professor Brainstorm enhance our curriculum throughout the academic year. These enrichment activities stimulate, entertain and educate. They also enthuse and excite the children about their science lessons. They complement the science curriculum by developing the children’s understanding of the importance of science and the impact that it plays in the world around us. Our annual science week including a chick hatching programme gives the children first-hand experience of life cycles, growth and development as well as encouraging social interaction and promoting caring and nurturing skills. We also enrich our topics through some of our school trips.

 

 

What does Science look like at Boldmere Infant and Nursery School?

Our Nursery and Reception children take part in science based practical activities, which are planned according to ‘The World’ area of learning within the Foundation Stage Curriculum. Activities are linked to cross-curricular topics.

In Key Stage 1 we teach science to cover the appropriate scientific skills and knowledge for Years 1 and 2 as laid down in the national curriculum.

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • 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 knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

 

We believe that planning and delivering an exciting science curriculum helps to develop children’s curiosity and motivates them to want to learn and improve their understanding of the world around them. Wherever possible, we involve the pupils in practical activities as these increase enthusiasm, motivation and provide first-hand experience. We are lucky enough to have lovely grounds at Boldmere, which our children use to experience the science curriculum first hand, learning about materials, plants, weather, animals and their habitats.

 

 

Here are some photos taken during scientific activities in the classroom and in our school grounds.

 

Year 2 investigating habitats in our woodland area.

 

 

 

As part of their study of materials, year 2 planned and carried out an egg drop experiment!

 

 

Year 1 investigating and learning about the senses.

 

 

 

Science Week

In order to enrich our science curriculum even further we have an annual science week. This week successfully enthuses and engages the children (and adults!) and enhances their love for science. Here are a few photos from our exciting week.

 

Our Nursery and BIB children getting to know our new arrivals!

 

Reception trying the melting ice challenge.

 

Pupil Voice

We regularly use pupil voice to give the children the opportunity to discuss how they feel about science in our school. Pupil voice has shown us children value science highly. Here is what some of the children think about science.

‘Science is experimenting with things and finding things out.’

‘I find it fun. It is like a mystery, working out things.’

‘I like science because I know what scientists do when they go to work.’

‘You can find out new things and tell other people.’

 

Useful Resources

 BBC Bitesize KS1 Science - lots of fun learning resources, videos, games and activities.

KS1 Science - Crickweb - Science games, interactive resources and activities.

 NASA Kids' Club - Children’s website all about space.

Curriculum