Science

Purpose of study

• Science education at Norton St Nicholas C of E School will provide the foundations for understanding the world through biology, chemistry and physics,
• All pupils will be taught the essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science,
• All pupils will build up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts,
• There will be opportunities to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena,
• Pupils will be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse cause.

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Aims

When children leave Norton St Nicholas they will;

• have developed a curiosity for enquiring about, and investigating, scientific phenomena;
• have developed scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics;
• have developed understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them;
• be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

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The curriculum

• In Key Stage 1 and 2, Science is taught in “topic blocks”. For example, a unit such as “Animals Including Humans” would be taught every day for a two week period.
• Some units are better suited to being taught over a longer period (for example, “Seasonal Changes” in year 1). The children need to appreciate the world around them and “Plants” will be taught in the Spring or Summer term as the children need to observe seeds and plants develop and grow, over time.
• All of the Science Unit plans feature “Working Scientifically” objectives. This means that scientific skills are embedded in our curriculum in Key Stage 1 and 2.
• Teachers predominantly draw on the planning resources from PLAN Primary Science, which helps to ensure teaching is focuessed and children are given numerous opportunnities to work scientifically.
• Science lessons at St Nicholas School are as practical as possible. Teachers use the local environment (pond, wildlife area, Willow Chapel, field) and a range of physical resources to support the children’s knowledge and skills.