Science

At Yardley Primary School, pupils will experience their full entitlement to the National Curriculum by experiencing a range of interesting and practical tasks, which allow them to develop their understanding of the concepts and processes of Science. During these tasks, they will develop their scientific skills, reinforce their understanding and build on their curiosity, enthusiasm and sense of awe of the natural world.  

The curriculum content will: develop pupils’ enthusiasm; their interest and positive attitudes towards Science; an appreciation of the fact that Science is all around us; how it shapes the world we live in and contributes to our lives and our community.  

The learning will build on prior knowledge and make links to previous learning experiences.  Essential skills and vocabulary will be taught in order for pupils to answer scientific questions decisively, use different types of investigation including observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and research (using secondary sources).  

We aim for our pupils to be inspired by Science as a subject and to continue to be curious about the world around them and the Science which affects their lives.

Yardley Primary School fosters a positive attitude to Science learning within classrooms and reinforces an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving high standards in Science.  

Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of Science involves the following: 

• Each Science topic is planned independently; however, when wider curriculum links can be made these are also included (such as links made to the Rainforest topic and the Animals and Habitats topics). Links are also made through Forest School activities. This enables greater understanding and consolidation to be made across the curriculum. 

• The curriculum balances the disciplinary knowledge (working scientifically) with the substantive knowledge to ensure pupils have an opportunity to experience a full range of scientific enquiries. The five types of different working scientifically enquiries are: 

  • Observing over time

  • Identifying and classifying

  • Pattern seeking

  • Research using secondary sources

  • Fair testing 

• The curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to experience interesting learning opportunities which help to develop pupils' sense of awe and understanding of how Science is all around us. It gives opportunities for pupils to learn appropriate vocabulary and also to learn to safely use specific scientific equipment.

The following outcomes are a result of our Science curriculum: 

• Pupils enjoy their learning in science.

• Pupils develop and retain knowledge and understanding of key scientific concepts

• Pupils develop and acquire a wide variety of scientific enquiry skills

• Pupils are able to reflect on their learning and describe the skills and knowledge they have developed

• Pupils develop a rich vocabulary which will enable them to articulate their understanding,

• Pupils are able to work independently and collaboratively to investigate and experiment.

The Foundation Stage delivers Science content through the ‘Understanding the World’ strand of the EYFS curriculum. This involves guiding pupils to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment. Pupils are assessed according to the Early Learning Goal 'the Natural World'.

To find out more about our early years curriculum, visit our E.Y.F.S. page here.

If you require any further information about this curriculum area or any other, please do not hesitate to contact us.