Science

What is Science?

Science is the process of learning about the natural world through observation and experimentation. Scientists use evidence, along with active thinking, to explain what is happening in the natural world.

Science teaching at Leagrave is delivered in line with National Curriculum requirements where children learn and explore different Science related areas. Children are encouraged to generate their own questions to learn about science, in everyday life and in the world around us, thus creating awe and wonder in all children and making them excited about science.

We should not teach children the Sciences but given them a taste for them.

Children in a class at Leagrave Primary School
Children outdoors at Leagrave Primary School

The Early Years curriculum gives children the opportunity to start gaining science knowledge and begins to pave the way for their learning journey in Year 1 and beyond. Children are given hands on opportunities to learn about Science in everyday day life. They look at the different seasons and effects of the changing seasons on the world around them. They begin to understand the life cycles of plants and animals, while having the opportunity to grow their own plants and take care of them. Children have first-hand experience of looking at the life cycle of baby chicks and watching them grow. Children have exciting visitors, from doctors to dentists, to support their understanding of science and how it relates to everyday life.

In Key Stage One, the Science curriculum focuses on developing children’s understanding of the world around them and helps them to develop their scientific skills. Children build on knowledge from the Early Years and start to develop these ideas using the five types of scientific enquiry (pattern seeking, research, observation over time, identifying and classifying). Lessons are vocabulary-rich, ensuring children understand concepts taught and can use technical vocabulary to explain their findings. Children explore the surrounding community, and other natural environments to gain an understanding of where animals live.

Throughout Key Stage Two, key scientific skills are developed further, extending children’s knowledge and building on areas taught in Key Stage 1. Children develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Children gain an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of scientific enquiries. We ensure that children are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. Throughout the school, we use a wide range of resources and reading literature to support children’s understanding of Science concepts.

 

Although the teaching of Science takes place throughout the year, we celebrate Science related events throughout the year: National Science Week, RSPB Bird Watch and Women and Girls in STEM. We worked extremely hard to achieve our PSQM Gilt award, which reflects the hard work and great outcomes in Science from all staff and children in our school.