Science
Intent
At Dorothy Barley Infant School we believe that a high-quality science curriculum provides the foundations for understanding the world. Science encompasses the acquisition of new knowledge, concepts and skills; encouraging pupils to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural wonders that occur on our planet. During active and engaging lessons, pupils will learn and discuss scientific theories and processes, which will enable them to answer scientific questions about the world. They will develop scientific enquiry skills and use scientific language to explain concepts confidently. They are therefore well prepared for the Science curriculum at Key Stage Two and beyond.
Science At Dorothy Barley Infant School
Implementation
At Dorothy Barley Infant School, we ensure children are given every opportunity to reach an in-depth level of understanding through an ambitious and progressive Science curriculum. We provide exciting and active learning experiences that have been carefully planned to build on children’s understanding from one year to the next. Units are planned and delivered in a way that enables children to learn a range of scientific concepts, whilst further developing their ability to think scientifically.
Scientific vocabulary is carefully planned and taught in a progressive manner across the school, including the language of scientific enquiry. Children learn to think and talk like scientists through the use of scientific language.
Sparking Curiosity – Our Science curriculum is structured around exploration. From the earliest stages in Nursery, all children are encouraged to explore and find out the answers for themselves.
Hands On and Active Learning – Children have well planned opportunities to hypothesise, investigate and discover answers for themselves. All units of work are fully resourced with the scientific equipment necessary for hands on learning.
Independence – Working scientifically is at the heart of every unit of work and is structured progressively across the school. Therefore, children develop the disciplinary skills necessary to access Science with increasing independence.
New Knowledge and Skills The science curriculum is sequenced progressively to ensure prior learning is referred to and built upon. Scientific enquiry skills are embedded throughout and developed as children progress through the school.
Empowering Experiences Our science curriculum is enriched by a variety of different sources from outside school. As well as making use of the local area, children access trips and workshops to enhance their scientific understanding.
Curriculum Planning
Early Years Foundation Stage
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the building blocks for Science are introduced through engaging, age-appropriate activities that align with the Development Matters framework. This ensures that children build essential knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Through hands-on exploration, observation and questioning, children are encouraged to investigate and make sense of natural phenomena, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. By nurturing these foundational skills early on, we provide a strong platform for scientific thinking, inquiry and discovery that will continue to grow as children progress into Key Stage One.
EYFS Natural World Progression Grid
Scientific Knowledge
Our curriculum overviews detail the key Science content required for each unit of work. These are shared with children and families at the beginning of each half term to help enhance learning.
