Science
Introduction to Primary Science at Stockton Wood
At Stockton Wood, we believe that a strong foundation in science is essential for nurturing curiosity,
critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning. Our primary science curriculum is designed to inspire
children to explore the wonders of the natural world, ask questions, and develop a deep
understanding of scientific concepts. We are committed to providing a curriculum that promotes
curiosity and includes both disciplinary and substantive knowledge, ensuring a well-rounded and
thorough science education.
Science in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In the EYFS at Stockton Wood, science learning is centred around the Early Years Foundation Stage
Statutory Curriculum and the Development Matters document. These frameworks focus on helping
young children make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to
explore, observe, and find out about people, places, technology, and the environment. Key aspects
of science learning in the EYFS include:
- Curiosity and Observation: Encouraging children to notice changes, patterns, and
phenomena in their environment. - Hands-On Exploration: Providing opportunities for children to explore materials, living things,
and the natural world through play and sensory experiences. - Language Development: Building the vocabulary needed to describe what they see, hear, and
feel. - Understanding the World: Supporting children in making connections between their
experiences and the wider world.
Science in Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2)
As children progress into KS1 and KS2, we adopt the White Rose Science Scheme of Learning, a
comprehensive and carefully structured approach to science education. This provides a more
structured approach to scientific inquiry, disciplinary and substantive knowledge, and deeper
understanding.
- Disciplinary Knowledge: This involves understanding how science works—learning about
scientific methods, investigations, and how evidence is used to draw conclusions. Children
are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and engage in scientific practices that help
them understand how knowledge is constructed and validated. - Substantive Knowledge: This covers the content of science—the key facts, concepts, and
principles that children need to know. In KS1 and KS2, our curriculum ensures that children
build a solid foundation of substantive knowledge in areas such as biology, chemistry, physics,
and earth science.
Key Stage 1 (KS1)
In KS1, the curriculum introduces foundational scientific concepts and encourages children to start
thinking critically about the world. Key elements include:
- Promoting Curiosity: Children are encouraged to explore their surroundings, ask questions,
and seek answers through observation and experimentation. - Asking Questions: Developing the ability to ask simple questions and recognize that they can
be answered in different ways. - Practical Investigations: Engaging in basic experiments that involve observing, classifying, and
measuring to gather evidence. - Building Knowledge: Learning about everyday materials, plants, animals, and seasonal
changes, with an emphasis on understanding the natural world.
Key Stage 2 (KS2)
In KS2, children delve deeper into scientific concepts and methods. The curriculum becomes more
challenging, with a greater focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of scientific
knowledge. Key aspects include: - Scientific Enquiry: Developing a more systematic approach to investigations, including
planning, conducting, and evaluating experiments. - Conceptual Understanding: Exploring more complex topics such as forces, light, sound,
electricity, and the interdependence of organisms in ecosystems. - Cross-Curricular Links: Making connections between science and other subjects, particularly
mathematics and technology, to understand how science is applied in the real world. - Real-World Applications: Encouraging children to apply their knowledge to solve problems
and understand scientific phenomena in everyday life.
Our Vision for Science Education
At Stockton Wood, our goal is to cultivate young scientists who are confident, curious, and equipped
with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the future. Through our tailored curriculum,
combining the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Curriculum and Development Matters
document in EYFS with the White Rose Science Scheme in KS1 and KS2, we aim to ignite a passion for Science that will stay with our children throughout their lives, reinforcing their understanding and
allowing them to make connections between different areas of science and the world around them,
as we prepare the next generation of thinkers, innovators and problem solvers.
Intent Implementation and Impact
