Science

Science is given a high priority as a core subject. It is recognised as an active, practical subject and children are encouraged to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding through first-hand experience where ever possible.

Key Stage 1

In Reception and Key Stage 1, science is generally integrated into a topic approach.

Areas of Subject Knowledge:

Over the course of key stage 1, pupils will cover the following scientific units:

Plants
Animals, including humans
Everyday materials
Seasonal Change
Living things and their habitats

Areas of Working Scientifically:

Within key stage 1, pupils will cover the following practical scientific methods and skills:

asking simple questions
observing closely, using simple equipment
performing simple tests
identifying and classifying
gathering and recording data

Key Stage 2

Science is approached through separate science themes.

Lower Key Stage 2

Areas of Subject Knowledge:

Over the course of lower key stage 2, pupils will cover the following scientific units:

Plants
Animals, including humans
Rocks
Light
Forces and magnets
Living things and their habitats
States of matter
Sound
Electricity

Areas of Working Scientifically:

Within lower key stage 2, pupils will cover the following practical scientific methods and skills:

asking relevant questions
using different types of scientific enquiries
setting up simple practical enquiries
making systematic and careful observations and taking accurate measurements
using a range of equipment
gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data
reporting on findings from enquiries
using results to draw simple conclusions
identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes

Upper Key Stage 2

Areas of Subject Knowledge:

Over the course of upper key stage 2, pupils will cover the following scientific units:

Animals, including humans
Living things and their habitats
Properties and changes of materials
Earth and space
Forces
Evolution and inheritance
Light
Electricity

Areas of Working Scientifically:

Within upper key stage 2, pupils will cover the following practical scientific methods and skills:

planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions
recognising and controlling variables
taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment
recording data and results
using test results to make predictions to set up further comparative and fair tests
reporting and presenting findings from enquiries
identifying scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments