Science
Science at DPA
Intent
Science is a very important feature of our curriculum and is taught weekly across the school. Our science curriculum works closely alongside our knowledge rich projects to help inspire and encourage our children's love for the subject. Our science topics are built upon in each year group as the children progress through the school, enabling key skills and scientific terminology to continue to be at the heart of our science curriculum.
Implementation
Our science lessons are knowledge based - both with scientific knowledge and practical knowledge. It is vital that the pupils have sufficient knowledge prior to carrying out an investigation. We also like to enhance our science work by inviting in scientists to further our knowledge. We have welcomed physicists from Rutherfords, and shows from Atomic Science and Bright Sparks. Science is taught at least weekly, with some topic areas being science focused each year providing further opportunity to develop scientific skills and knowledge.
| Year group | Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
| Nursery | Exploring Autumn
| Introduction to every day materials and their properties.
| Exploring shadows Animal survival Seasonal change
| Carnivores and herbivores
Plant survival
| Plant parts
Features of Insects
| Features of animals. Habitats. Floating and sinking Freezing and melting. |
| Reception | Senses Sorting materials
| Simple circuits Magnetism
| Properties of materials
| Plant survival Matching animals to their babies Life cycles
| Animal survival
| Seasonal changes
|
| Year 1 | Every day materials Properties and uses
| Human Senses Body parts
| Seasonal Changes typical seasonal weather Day and night
| Seasonal Changes
| Plant parts
| Animal parts Sorting: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates. Caring for animals
|
| Year 2 | Human Survival Basic needs of humans. Changes over time | Habitats What does a habitat need to provide?
| Animal survival
| Uses of materials
| Plant survival
| |
| Year 3 | Animal nutrition and the skeletal system | Forces and magnets | Plant nutrition and reproduction | Light and Shadows | ||
| Year 4 | Digestive System | Sound | States of matter | Grouping and classifying | Electrical circuits and components | |
| Year 5 | Forces and mechanisms | Earth and space | Human reproduction | Properties and changes of materials | ||
| Year 6 | Circulatory system | Electrical circuits and components | Light theory | Evolution and inheritance | ||
Impact
As a result of our high quality science lessons, we have seen that our children's ability to obtain key scientific skills and knowledge has increased due to the children's learning been built upon each year as they progress through the school. Our children have great passion for science and have a good understanding of the topic and the important role that it plays in their education. Children are able to independently perform science experiments and understand and apply key terminology within their science lessons which gives them a solid foundation base of knowledge.
Updated February 23