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.

The depth of knowledge gained will give pupils the strong foundations of scientific learning which not only prepares them for future study, but also helps them to understand the uses and implications of science for now and the future. Through working scientifically, they develop the ability to explore, question and form hypotheses independently, building resilience through challenging and adapting their ways of thinking to assimilate new knowledge. Pupils develop their skills within listening, reading, speaking and writing, and practise and improve their skills in lessons. They are made aware of opportunities for careers in STEM, broadening their horizons and raising aspirations for their futures.