Early Years

‘Encouraging Curiosity, Exploration and Confidence in Young Scientists’

Our Vision

In early years, we provide all of our children with a myriad of opportunities to ask questions, be independently inquisitive, experience and explore the world around them whilst developing their curiosity. Through in-class topic learning, outdoor play and forest school, we foster a love of Science. Science is introduced as a discrete subject, through activities that encourage all children to explore, problem solve, observe, predict, think, make decisions and talk about the world around them.

Our expectations for all learners leaving Early Years are:

• To understand science is a discrete subject which asks questions and explores the world around them.

• To be able to make and describe simple observations.

• To be able to physically sort, identify and classify objects.

• To be able to identify and describe changes in their environment across the seasons.

• To be able to use simple equipment, such as; hand lens, plastics, pipettes, forceps

• To be able to use basic scientific vocabulary as indicated in the science vocabulary progression grid.

Scientific Enquiry - All investigations will be child-led, with the teacher following the questions and interests of the children. In the summer term, they will be exposed to all five types of enquiry, and will be familiar with the symbols in preparation for Year 1.

• Comparative Testing

• Research using secondary sources

• Observation over time

• Pattern Seeking

• Group, Identify & Classify