Embedded Files
Science Curriculum Intent
We thrive on a commitment to developing a child’s science capital. Children strive to become remarkable scientists; they are able to understand the world around them and know what questions to ask when they don’t. They are able to do this through our sequenced, practical, and inspiring approach to teaching science. During their time with us, we are able to assess children’s depth of understanding and knowledge and deliver bespoke learning journeys covering all aspects of science, ensuring that they are ready for success in KS3 and beyond. They will realise that science is not just based in a lab or a classroom but is happening all the time, all around us everyday.We aim to push our limits and discover what is possible.
Policies and Documents
Sequencing and Progression
The curriculum map is designed so that children build on their prior learning, revisiting and consolidating enquiry skills throughout each lesson. As they progress, children's ability to run investigations is further developed across year groups. Some units are taught in multiple year groups to ensure breadth, depth, and consolidation of scientific skills. Throughout their time at Noel Park, learners revisit science topics in different year groups, each time enhancing their knowledge and understanding. For example, in KS1, children compare plants by examining similarities and differences, while by the end of KS2, they can classify plants and create their own identification keys.
What does science look like at Noel Park?
In the Early Years, children have the opportunity to engage in play, explore, create and think critically through the use of indoor and outdoor learning where they are able to ask questions about the world around them. From Years 1-6, children have a weekly science lesson where there is a significant focus on encouraging children to work scientifically through continuity and progression of essential enquiry skills. Children are provided with the opportunity to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through six key skills which include, research, observation over time, identification and classification, pattern seeking, comparative testing and exploration. Their science lessons enable them to take part in practical experiments which allows them to use a wide range of resources to lead the learning and make their own discoveries. Through our science lessons, children are able to investigate problems, learn how science works and discover why science matters in the world to support them in becoming successful scientists.
Science Child Led experiment.pdf
What Our Learners Say About Science
Our children are at the heart of our science curriculum. Here's what some of them have to say about their exciting learning experiences in science.
"I wanted to know how seeds work, so I asked my teachers and they helped us to take some apart so we could see what was inside. Not all seeds are the same."
"We were examining how sugar and colour move in water. We decided to see what would happen if we changed the liquid. We were very careful to keep the test fair by only changing one thing at a time."
"Now I understand gravity and magnets. They are simple forces that attract or repel things."
"We have to go exploring, we know science isn’t just in the classroom!"
"It is important that all of our tests are kept fair."
"I wanted to know how fast the sun moves across the sky. Now I can tell the time using the sun."
"Research and teamwork are essential skills that I have learned during my science lessons."
Science in Action: Educational Trips
As part of the Year 2 science curriculum, students visited Trent Park to explore the properties of natural materials like wood, leaves, and stones. They discussed characteristics such as hardness and flexibility, considering how these materials could be used to build sustainable homes.
Students linked their learning on sustainability by questioning the effectiveness of these materials for building. After collecting materials, they constructed model homes and tested their ability to insulate against wind and water. This hands-on experience reinforced key science concepts and allowed students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
Scientific Enquiry Day
We held our very first Scientific Enquiry Day, during which children had the opportunity to carry out a range of investigations in small groups whilst also developing their ability to negotiate, share, build on and challenge each other’s ideas. These investigations were all exciting, engaging and contextualised in real-life so that children could immerse themselves in science throughout the day.
Year 4 focused on chemical reactions, using their scientific knowledge to make hypotheses about how different substances would react when combined with water. They found out lots of surprising things, including that oil floated on the surface because water is heavier than oil. Their most exciting discovery was the reaction between Alka-Seltzer and water, which culminated in a rather impressive explosion!
Year 2 also took a colourful approach to learning about science! They used washing up liquid, food colouring, cotton buds and milk to create swirling patterns. The food colouring began to swirl and move around the plate once the dish soap soaked cotton bud was added, appearing to work like magic. The children found it fascinating to watch as the many shades of colours started forming, combining and separating to leave the bright white of the milk.
Science At Home
Lava Lamp.pdfFun With Density.pdfDissolving.pdfFireworks in a Glass.pdfReport abuse