Science

“The world is full of wonders, but they become more wonderful, not less wonderful, when science looks at them.” David Attenborough

Intent

At Thomas A' Becket Infant School, we believe that science should nurture children's natural curiosity about the world around them and inspire them to explore, question and investigate. Our science curriculum begins with children's everyday experiences and observations before broadening their understanding of plants, animals, materials, seasonal change and the wider natural world. Through practical, hands-on learning, children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to think and work scientifically.

Through our science curriculum, we aim to:

• Spark Curiosity by inspiring children to ask questions about the world around them and encouraging them to explore, investigate and discover through first-hand experiences.
• Develop Scientific Understanding by building children's knowledge of living things, materials, seasonal changes and physical processes, helping them make sense of the world they live in.
• Promote Scientific Enquiry by encouraging children to observe closely, make predictions, identify patterns, carry out simple investigations and use evidence to answer questions.
• Develop Vocabulary and Communication by providing opportunities for discussion, partner talk and explanation, enabling children to share ideas, describe observations and use scientific vocabulary with increasing confidence.
• Make Meaningful Connections by helping children link scientific learning to their own experiences, outdoor environments and real-life situations, fostering an appreciation of how science influences everyday life.
• Encourage Respect for the Natural World by developing children's sense of wonder and responsibility towards living things and their environment, inspiring them to care for the world around them.

Implementation

At Thomas A' Becket Infant School, science is taught through engaging, carefully sequenced topics that progressively develop children's scientific knowledge, understanding and enquiry skills from EYFS to the end of Key Stage 1.

In the Early Years, science is delivered through Understanding the World, where children explore the natural world through play, observation, discussion and investigation. They develop their understanding of plants, animals, habitats, seasonal change and the human body through meaningful first-hand experiences both indoors and outdoors.

In Key Stage 1, children build on these foundations through the study of plants, animals including humans, everyday materials, living things and their habitats, and seasonal changes. Learning is carefully planned to revisit and build upon prior knowledge, helping children to make meaningful connections over time.

Working scientifically is embedded throughout the curriculum, including during COOL time. Children are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, observe closely, identify and classify, carry out investigations and use evidence to explain their findings. Practical, enquiry-based learning enables children to develop confidence, curiosity and independence as young scientists.

We make full use of our amazing school grounds, Nurture Farm, Forest School and local environment to enrich learning, providing opportunities to explore habitats, observe seasonal change, care for living things and develop a sense of awe and wonder about the natural world. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and regularly revisited through Knowledge Organisers, discussion and collaborative learning, enabling children to communicate their ideas with increasing confidence and accuracy.

Assessment is ongoing and informs future teaching. Through observation, questioning, discussion, teachers monitor progress and identify next steps, ensuring all children develop the knowledge and skills needed to become successful young scientists. Learning is evidenced through Learning Journals, My World Books, class books, displays and teacher assessments, allowing staff to celebrate achievement and identify next steps in learning.

Impact

Through our science curriculum, we want children to:

• Be curious about the world around them and eager to ask questions.
  • Develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts and knowledge.
  • Use scientific vocabulary confidently to explain their ideas.
  • Observe closely, investigate, test and evaluate through practical experiences.
  • Recognise patterns, make connections and solve simple problems.
  • Develop confidence in making predictions and drawing conclusions from evidence.
  • Show respect, care and empathy for living things and the environment.
  • Develop a sense of awe and wonder through exploring nature in our outdoor learning environments, including Forest School and the Nurture Farm.
  • Understand the importance of sustainability and how their actions can help care for the world around them.
  • Build resilience, independence and teamwork through practical investigations and outdoor learning experiences.
  • Understand how science helps us to make sense of the world around us and influences everyday life.

And most importantly…

To leave our school as enthusiastic young scientists, equipped with the skills, knowledge and curiosity to continue exploring and learning about the world around them!