Science
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.
At Lakeside we believe Science stimulates pupil’s curiosity, develops their sense of enquiry and their understanding of the world around them. Children learn to work as scientists, planning and undertaking practical investigations on their own and with others.
The importance of Science.
Primary science helps pupils to:
How is Science taught at Lakeside?
Science is taught using Cornerstones curriculum which has four stages.
Children will progress through four distinct stages of learning in each ILP – Engage, Develop, Innovate and Express.
We also use Love To Investigate to aid investigations every half term. These are linked to the topic and used even when Science isn’t a main driver.
At Early Years Foundation Stage, activities are planned in relation to the “Understanding the World” area of the foundation stage curriculum. Children’s progress and achievements are assessed against the Early Learning Goals at the end of reception.
In Key Stages 1 and 2 the science curriculum is planned through cross curricular topics and specific science lessons. Science planning follows our scheme of work which ensures that the essential skills are met within each phase. Children complete at least 1 science investigations per half term.
Wherever possible, links are made between other subject areas including literacy, maths, ICT and Geography. The relevant essential science skills are covered through the topic areas taught. In Key Stage 1 pupils begin to explore, collect and evaluate evidence and communicate their findings through the use of scientific language, drawings, charts and photographs. At Key Stage 2 pupils plan and carry out their own investigations and apply their scientific knowledge to real life problems and discuss the most appropriate way to communicate their ideas.
How was the Science Curriculum developed at Lakeside?
Children are naturally curious. Science at primary school should nurture this curiosity and allow them to ask questions and develop the skills they need to answer those questions.
What Science Knowledge is taught at Lakeside?
Each year the key science knowledge builds on learning from the previous years.
The long term overview to show which knowledge is taught in each year group can be found in the documents below.
Scientist of the half term
Every half term all the children will be learning about a different famous scientist. Check the school blog to see what scientist it is this half term.
PQSM - Primary Quality Science Mark
As a school we have just began our journey to gain the PQSM by the end of school year.
We will be ensuring the Science within Lakeside is engaging, exciting and ensures children make good progress.
Supporting Science at home
Taking part in a Science invesgation at home can be a great way to have fun with your child.
There are lots of great websites with ideas on for you to try at home. If you do any please upload them to the website. We would love to see them.
https://www.stem.org.uk/home-learning/primary
https://www.science-sparks.com/
https://pstt.org.uk/resources/curriculum-materials/Science-Fun-at-Home
How do I find out more information about the science curriculum?
If you have any questions about this area of the curriculum please speak to your child's class teacher initially or Mrs Bossons (who can be contacted through the school office).
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