Teaching of Science

At Westwood Infant school our Science curriculum provides children with an increasing knowledge and understanding of the world around them, with a focus on developing Scientific vocabulary through hands on, practical experiences. 

In the Foundation Stage, Science is taught following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and mainly appears within the area of learning called 'Understanding the world'. 

Early Learning Goal - The World

(end of EYFS)  

• Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants.
• Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class.
• Understand some important processes and changes in the natural world around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter

In Key Stage One, we follow the aims and content of the National Curriculum.

Aims

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the 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 scientific 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. 

The Key Stage One Programme of Study for Years 1 and 2 covers the following strands:

• Working Scientifically
• Plants
• Animals, including humans
• Everyday Materials 
• Uses of Everyday Materials

Where ever possible we teach cross curricular and make use of our outdoor environment to enhance learning. 

Through our Science curriculum at Westwood, we encourage children to work practically, use the correct scientific vocabulary, record learning in a variety of ways and ask their own questions, in order to develop a deep and lasting interest in Science. 

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