Science

The principal focus of Science teaching in Key Stage 1 is to enable pupils to experience and observe phenomena, looking more closely at the natural and humanly-constructed world around them. They should be encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice. They should be helped to develop their understanding of scientific ideas by using different types of scientific enquiry to answer their own questions, including observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things, carrying out simple comparative tests, and finding things out using secondary sources of information. They should begin to use simple scientific language to talk about what they have found out and communicate their ideas to a range of audiences in a variety of ways. Most of the learning about science should be done through the use of first-hand practical experiences, but there should also be some use of appropriate secondary sources, such as books, photographs and videos.

‘Working scientifically’ is described separately in the programme of study, but must always be taught through and clearly related to the teaching of substantive science content in the programme of study.

As Scientists at Hatherley Infant School we will...

• Ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways
• Observe closely using simple equipment and perform simple tests
• Identify and classify and use observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
• Gather and record data to help us to answer questions

In Year 1 children will study plants and animals and everyday materials as well as observing and describing seasonal changes.

In Year 2 children will study living things and their habitats and develop their knowledge and understanding of plants and animals including humans. They also study the uses of materials in more depth.