Science
Subject Co-ordinator: Ms A Norman
At Woodhouse Primary Academy, we want our children to develop understanding of the world in which we live, through developing confidence, resilience and the ability to solve scientific problems. We recognise that many of our children have limited experience of the wider world and that the science curriculum can foster a healthy curiosity in children about our universe, living and non-living things. At Woodhouse Primary Academy children will develop vocabulary to support discussions and to be enabled to question science. They will use practical, maths and literacy skills to support progressive learning of science knowledge. They will learn to explain why things are correct, but also why things are incorrect, using scientific vocabulary, measurements and evidence to support their work.
Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving high standards in science when curiosity and enjoyment are developed. Our curriculum provides meaningful opportunities so that the children are inspired and challenged in their experience of science. Practice and real-life experiences are key to ensure that what the children know more, remember more and can do more. We are lucky to have our own wildlife area, pond and growing areas within our school site so opportunities for every child to visit these resources are included at least annually in our biology offer. Other experiences are also included to enhance and enrich our programme of study.
It is our intention that all children develop scientific curiosity and enquiry. Children are introduced to the three forms of science (biology, chemistry and physics). Through their studies they begin to understand the difference between each form. Key questions, knowledge and pillars are interwoven through each unit to help the children recognise that there are a range of approaches to collect evidence and explain phenomena in the material world.
In Early Years, children are introduced to the three forms of science in the simplest form. Children explore everyday phenomena such as observing the lifecycle of a butterfly first-hand, watching eggs hatch, exploring solids and liquids by melting and freezing chocolate and how different objects float or sink. The children will visit our wildlife and pond areas to find out about animals and their young. Vocabulary is key; children will be introduced to a variety of new words and then use them in their play.
In Key Stage One, children go deeper into biology; they will get their hands dirty by growing plants to find out what they need to thrive. They will then identify and name different types of plants. During their expereinces in the wild life area and around the pond, children will find out about different animals to learn to name and group them. The children also learn about the seasons and how they change. In chemistry, key stage one children explore different materials and make comparisons based on their suitability for projects.
In Key Stage Two, children explore life systems of plants and animals including humans, then classify these using characteristics. At the wild life area, pond and growing areas they explore the plants and animals and then consider how things have changed. Physics takes more prominence as the children are taken on a journey to learn about light, forces, sound, electricity and space. The children will use their knowledge and understanding of physics to build things and solve problems as well as explain why some of their ideas don’t work. In chemistry, they compare and group materials according to their properties. They will be introduced to the terms solid, liquid and gas as states of matter and get “hands on” with materials in these forms.
Children will be encouraged to discuss their work with their peers as well as teaching staff. This will allow staff to assess their understanding through carefully constructed questions to draw out knowledge.
Throughout primary school science is a core curriculum subject. Within Woodhouse Primary Academy we see this subject as crucial to our pupil’s understanding of the world, next steps and future career aspirations.
