At Park Spring, Science starts in the Early years (EYFS) where children are taught to make sense of the world around them. Science is taught weekly through discrete science lessons in Key Stage One and Two and as part of cross-curricular themes, when appropriate. Teachers plan engaging and challenging lessons from our progression documents which highlight prior learning and later learning as well as any working scientifically opportunities. Teachers deliver investigative enquiry-based lessons where children learn through doing to promote a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Science lessons provide opportunities for children to work scientifically, both in groups and independently, through pattern spotting, grouping and classifying, planning and performing comparative tests, observing over time and using secondary research to build on prior knowledge. We are keen for children to have an understand of these enquiry-based skills and in KS1 and  KS2 these enquiry skills are verbally referred to in each lesson.

Children also learn about a range of key scientists from diverse backgrounds, both past and present, to understand the significance of previous discoveries and to inspire future discoveries.

Our Year 1 children have the opportunity to learn about the science all around us with their weekly Farmer Time link. Harnessing the power of digital communications to inspire, engage and educate our year 1's about the journey from farm to fork and the everchanging, diverse agricultural industry. Children  chat live with their matched farmer from their classrooms to discuss ideas, ask questions, develop knowledge and gain a ‘real-time’ understanding of the daily issues farmers face.

During Science Week, our aim is to further stimulate children’s curiosity and students are encouraged to experiment to find their own answers to enquiries.

At the start of each topic, teachers plan a pre-unit activity such as a mind-map or vocabulary grid to assess knowledge and skills. Knowledge organisers are also provided at the start of each topic. Children then show their learning from the unit in a post task assessment. Children’s work in science is assessed through teacher judgements as we observe children working scientifically, asking questions and through marking their written work. Teacher judgements for each child are then recorded on a science tracker to enable teachers to make accurate judgements at the end of each key stage.

Science LTP

List of Scientists

National Curriculum for Science