Science
Our Statement of Intent
At Stanford Primary School, we aspire for all children to see themselves as scientists, developing a strong sense of awe and wonder about the world around them and an understanding of their role within an ever-changing and evolving world. Our science curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking, empowering children to ask questions, explore new ideas and develop reasoned explanations through first-hand, practical experiences.
Through purposeful planning and opportunities to carry out their own enquiries, investigations and experiments, children are encouraged to discover answers to their own scientific questions across all areas of the science curriculum. They develop key scientific skills, including making predictions, planning investigations, carrying out observations, recording and presenting data, analysing results and evaluating their findings. Our curriculum covers key areas including animals, including humans, living things and their habitats, plants, forces, light, sound, Earth and space, and electricity, with topics revisited throughout the key stage to build on prior knowledge, strengthen understanding and ensure clear progression. Wherever possible, meaningful links are made across other curriculum areas to deepen children’s conceptual understanding and demonstrate how science connects to the wider world.
Learning is extended beyond the classroom through first-hand experiences and opportunities to explore the natural and wider environment, making science meaningful, memorable and exciting while developing children’s scientific interest and curiosity. Environmental literacy and social engagement are central to our approach, with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) woven throughout the curriculum to help children understand current global issues and the importance of creating a more equitable and sustainable future. Ultimately, we want our children to feel confident and empowered as young scientists, recognising that their questions, ideas and actions can contribute to positive change in the world.
Understanding the World - Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage EYFS 2021
Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community. The frequency and range of children’s personal experiences increases their knowledge and sense of the world around them – from visiting parks, libraries and museums to meeting important members of society such as police officers, nurses and firefighters. In addition, listening to a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse world. As well as building important knowledge, this extends their familiarity with words that support understanding across domains. Enriching and widening children’s vocabulary will support later reading comprehension.
Purpose of Study – National Curriculum 2014
A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.