Science
Science Curriculum Aims
Our Science curriculum gives children a strong understanding of the world around them and develops their natural curiosity to find out how and why things happen in the way they do. They acquire knowledge, skills and understanding to help them to think scientifically using enquiry and investigation.
Children learn to ask scientific questions and discuss issues which effect their lives, their community and the world as a whole. Children are able to apply their knowledge through a range of scientific investigations throughout the year.
At Violet Way Academy, our Science curriculum is based on the programmes of study set out in ‘Understanding the World’ in EYFS and the Key Stage 1 Science National Curriculum. It is designed to ensure that it provides the progression and coverage that meets the needs of all pupils across the school. It is planned and sequenced so that new knowledge, skills and understanding build on what has already been taught.
In Reception, the children are provided with experiences which enable them to develop skills of observation, exploration, prediction, enquiry and critical thinking. By providing the children with the opportunity to communicate and record their observations and predictions orally, we set the foundations of working scientifically.
Through our science curriculum children in KS1 explore and find out by: observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things, carrying out simple comparative tests and finding things out using books, photographs, videos and the internet. The children are encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice, making links with their previous learning and thinking independently.
Local places to develop scientific understanding:
Home - Rosliston Forestry Centre
Shropshire and Staffordshire | Midlands | National Trust
Explore the National Forest | Natural Adventures For Everyone
Home - Conkers (visitconkers.com)
The National Space Centre: Exploring Space
Thinktank | Birmingham Museums
Useful links:
Science Lab (nationalgeographic.com)
Educational Calendar - Topical Collections - BBC Teach
Science (and Forest Schools) Lead)