Science

Science at Preston Grange Primary School (PGPS)

 

The National Curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through 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 specific 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.

 

Science is a core subject within the National Curriculum and at PGPS, science is taught in 2 week blocks. This means that children will have science lessons most afternoons for 2 consecutive weeks. By teaching in a block, learning is uninterrupted and prior learning is built upon in a timely manner.

Within Early Years, the focus of science about understanding the world and the children are encouraged to look for similarities and differences between themselves and others, as well as within materials, places, objects and living things. They use observations to discuss changes and why they may occur.

Within Key Stage 1, there are 4 different science units covered each academic year, meaning that they will cover a new science topic throughout 4 half terms of the school year. In Key Stage 2, there are 5 different science units each academic year. Details of the units covered are detailed in the links below.

Teachers use a variety of resources and science is taught practically wherever possible. The children are engaged in hands-on experiments which includes planning their investigation/ experiment, testing and hypothesising as well as writing up the results, in line with the ‘working scientifically’ objective from the National Curriculum.

Scientific enquiry, including the concept of fair testing, is applied where appropriate. As the children progress through school there is a greater emphasis on investigative work and practical experiments wherever possible. We encourage children to think like scientists and to ask as well as answer scientific questions.

Investigations are followed up with a solid consolidation of knowledge gained from the experience and any misconceptions are addressed. The children have the opportunity to present their findings in a variety of ways including graphs, diagrams, tables and reports.

Full National Curriculum for science in Key Stage 1 and 2:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/425618/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Science.pdf

 

Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/425618/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Science.pdf