Earlsheaton Infant School

The science curriculum at Earlsheaton Infants School is designed to teach pupils the foundational knowledge, concepts and skills of the subject which develop curiosity and awe about the world around them. Curriculum design ensures delivery of the National Curriculum aims. It is structured sequentially so that pupils build their understanding of essential knowledge, processes and uses of science in the modern world. This enables pupils to distinguish between, and make connections across, the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. A sound understanding of these three disciplines equips our pupils with the knowledge needed to learn how to work and think scientifically, taking a rational and logical approach to their exploration of the subject.

At Earlsheaton Infant School Science is a core subject within the Key Stage One Curriculum and a Specific Area of Learning (Understanding of the World) in The Early Years Curriculum. The Science curriculum at Earlsheaton Infant School is delivered through weekly timetabled lessons, visits and trips. When designing the science curriculum, the full National Curriculum for Science was followed, ensuring that pupils are exposed to all of the aims and more. Where appropriate it is taught as part of cross-curricular topics, so that children may begin to see links between concepts and skills. Our teaching of Science promotes the development of curiosity, critical thinking, co-operation, problem solving, observation, independent learning, perseverance and prediction. We feel these are all skills children will need as they grow up in a rapidly changing world. The curriculum is designed to ensure that pupils develop a sense of empathy and responsibility towards the world they live in, with an appreciation and respect for the environment and all living things. It aims to equip them with the knowledge they need to understand a range of real-world issues.

In the Early Years children will use their senses to explore the world around them and to develop their skills and understanding of cause and effect. The EYFS curriculum is designed to develop the Characteristics of Effective Learning whereby children are encouraged to think critically, develop their own ideas, make links between ideas and find their own strategies for doing things. Children are encouraged to be active learners. They keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy their achievements. Finally, children are encouraged to explore, investigate and experience new things.

As the children journey into Key Stage 1 they are encouraged to observe the natural world around them and consider things that are humanly constructed. They are encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice. They are helped to develop their own scientific enquiry skills and to answer questions, observe changes over time, notice patterns, classify and group things, carry out simple tests and compare their findings. They will begin to use simple scientific language to talk about what they have found out and communicate their ideas. They will be encouraged to research and consider the works of famous historical and modern scientists. We will promote science as a diverse subject, which offers children an exciting future career should they choose it. Most of the learning in Science should be done through hands on practical experiences, but our curriculum also uses secondary sources such as books, photos and videos.