Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about events and phenomena in the world around them. It gives pupils the opportunity to question and discuss Science based issues that may affect their own lives, the direction of society and the future of the world. We aim to provide experiences and support to enable the children to develop scientifically. Science is based on the children’s first hand experiences.
Our Science curriculum is ambitious and designed to give all pupils the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.
It is coherently planned and sequenced towards cumulatively sufficient knowledge and skills for future learning and employment. We use the Hamilton Trust to support our teaching of science.
The curriculum is successfully developed to be ambitious and meet the needs of pupils with SEND, developing their knowledge, skills and abilities to apply what they know and can do with increasing fluency and independence.
At St. Thomas More First School, we base our teaching on the National Curriculum Programmes of Study and this is particularly helpful with ensuring that there is continuity and progression. The National Curriculum document for Science sets out a clear, full and statutory requirement for all children. It determines the content of what will be taught, and sets attainment targets for learning. The programmes of study set out what should be taught at Key Stage 1 and 2 and The Foundation Stage programmes of study for Understanding of the World are set out in the EYFS. We follow the White Rose scheme.
Pupils in the Foundation Stage develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in Science through Understanding of the World (UW). A range of activities related to their everyday experiences are provided. Children are encouraged to handle, explore and investigate objects and materials in and outside of the classroom as to develop their questioning skills.
Children follow the National Curriculum for their year group in Key Stage 1.
Pupils will ask simple questions, observe closely, perform simple tests, identify and classify, observe and answer questions and gather and record data
The children will study Plants, Animals including Humans, Everyday Materials, Seasonal Changes, and Living Things and their Habitats.
Children extend their knowledge from Key Stage 1. They will ask questions, set up practical tests, making careful observations, gather and present data, record and report their findings and use results to draw simple conclusions.
The children will cover all topics in the National Curriculum during the two year cycle.
The topics covered are Light, Rocks, Electricity, Sound, Living Things and their Habitats, Animals Including Humans (The Human Body), Forces and Magnets, States of Matter and Plants.
For each new unit, we provide the children with an overview of the topic and some useful definitions and vocabulary to be used to support their learning throughout the topic.
Unit-Marker-Science-Electricty-Y4.docx.zip
Progression of Skills in Science
National curriculum in England: science programmes of study
Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework
Please click in the links below to access some useful websites for supporting your child with science at home: