Why we teach science

At Lings Primary School, we want our children to develop a fascination, enjoyment and understanding of science. We aim to develop their understanding of important scientific ideas, processes and skills which they can relate to their everyday experiences.  We want our children to think, investigate and communicate scientifically, and to appreciate the contribution of science to all aspects of our lives. We encourage all children to be inquisitive throughout their time at our school, develop a healthy curiosity about our universe and how science has shaped the world in the past and present, as well the impact it will have on the future. We also believe that science supports the acquisition of positive learning attitudes such as enquiry skills and perseverance.

How we teach science

Our children’s scientific journey begins in EYFS where science is integrated within the "Understanding the World" area of learning, focusing on hands-on exploration, observation, and investigation. EYFS emphasizes creating a science-rich environment where children can naturally explore, question, and discover, fostering a love of learning and developing fundamental scientific concepts. 

In Key Stage 1 and 2, we use the NPAT-written science curriculum which is rooted in the framework set out by the National Curriculum. Throughout the areas of study, children will acquire and develop the key knowledge and skills that have been identified within each unit and across each year group. These are progressive as children move through the school which enables them to gradually build their scientific knowledge over time. The science curriculum at Lings Primary, is designed to ensure that all children can acquire key scientific knowledge through practical experiences, using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently.

In Key Stage 1, our children’s learning is based around plants, animals and materials. They will learn to identify and name common plants and animals, identify parts of the body, learn the properties of different materials, explore how plants grow and begin to recognise how living things are similar and different. As well as increasing their understanding of the natural world, this also teaches them their responsibility towards it.

In Key Stage 2, our children broaden their scientific view of the world around them through a range of units that provide a broad grounding in the scientific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.  This includes learning how the human body works, such as the digestive system and the function of the skeleton, and different types of force such as friction and magnetism. Children are also given the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of scientific ideas and more abstract concepts. These include electricity, Earth and space, evolution and inheritance, and life cycles.

By the end of their time with us, we want children to have a well-developed understanding of how the world operates scientifically and be ready for the Key Stage 3 curriculum and beyond. We believe that a fun, engaging, high-quality science education provides our children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding their world.

We aim create a positive and inquisitive attitude to science learning within classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all pupils can achieve high standards in science.

We always seek opportunities to take learning outside the classroom, including a range of, visits, trips and visitors to complement and broaden the curriculum and further enhance the knowledge gained in class. We also look to arrange regular events such as Science Week where learning can be enhanced across the school community, as well as working with institution such as the University of Northampton and STEM.

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