Science

 Curriculum

Article 29 – Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full. It must encourage the child’s respect for human rights as well as respect for their parents, their own and other cultures and their environment. 

Intent


At Grafton Primary School, we believe that a high-quality science education provides the foundation for understanding of the world through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Science changes our world on a personal, national and global level and as such, we strive to develop understanding of scientific ideas by providing opportunities to explore the world around us. We aim to stimulate a child’s curiosity through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, and encourage them to recognise the power of rational explanation. Our teachers encourage children to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, to develop methods of enquiry and to carry out purposeful investigations.


We use the Education People Primary Science scheme of work to inform our science teaching.


REAL Curriculum Links


Our REAL Science curriculum is: 


R: relevant, research-based, reflective


Our Science curriculum develops:

  • pupils’ understanding of science that is meaningful and relevant to the world and community they live in
  • curiosity and the skills needed to ask questions, seek evidence, and carry out experiments to find answers
  • high-quality learning based on the latest research into how children learn most effectively, ensuring strong scientific foundations for all.


E: Engaging, Enquiry-Led

Our Science curriculum:

  • provides engaging, problem-solving opportunities presented through enquiry questions that encourage pupils to explore and investigate
  • enables children to take an active role in practical work and experiments, fostering independence and hands-on discovery
  • promotes curiosity and critical thinking by encouraging pupils to question, test and reflect on their findings.



A: Aspirational, Achievement for All

Our Science curriculum develops:

  • inspiration through learning about diverse and remarkable scientists from a variety of backgrounds who have made significant contributions to our world
  • awareness of the many career pathways that science can lead to, supported by opportunities to meet and learn from people working in STEM fields
  • inclusive teaching that supports all pupils, ensuring every child can make progress, achieve success, and see themselves as future scientists.

L: For a Life-long Love of Learning


Our Science curriculum:

  • nurtures curiosity and enjoyment in scientific exploration, helping pupils recognise how science enriches their lives and supports their well-being
  • develops a love of science as both a fascinating subject and a potential hobby, passion, or career
  • provides opportunities for pupils to take part in science clubs, projects, and competitions to explore their own ideas and interests


Subject Autumn 1 Autumn 2 Spring 1 Spring 2 Summer 1 Summer 2
Year 1 Seasons - Autumn Senses (hearing, sight, touch, smell, taste) Seasons – Winter Everyday materials To identify and name a variety of everyday materials. To compare and group everyday materials. To identify and name a variety of everyday materials. To compare and group everyday materials. Seasons - Spring Animal antics and labelling plants Seasons –summer To identify and name a variety of common animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. To describe and compare different animals, birds and fish.
Year 2 Living things and their habitats including food chains Materials Material choices in a car Testing different materials for these roles Apprentice gardener Plants The Apprentice gardener Growing up Materials Testing material properties for a toy boat – buoyancy and waterproof
Year 3 Plants – How does your garden grow? Forces – The power of forces Light – can you see me? Plants: How does your garden grow? Part 2 Barking Park Trip Rocks: Rock Detectives Animals, bones, nutrition. Amazing Bodies
Year 4 Animals, including humans (Where does all our food go?) Sound (Good Vibrations) States of matter (In a State) Electricity (Switched On) Living things and their habitats (Human Impact) Living things and their habitats (Human Impact)
Year 5 Living things and their habitats Forces Earth and Space Properties of materials and changes in materials. Properties of materials and changes in materials Animals including humans.
Year 6 Electricity Circulatory System – The Heart Light (Light Up the World) Evolution and inheritance (Everyday Changes) Evolution and inheritance (Everyday Changes) Living things and their habitats (The Nature Library)
Condensed Science National Curriculum