Science Pathway

[pdf 729KB]

At Camelford Primary School, we recognise the importance of Science in every child’s daily life.  As one of the core subjects taught in primary schools, we aim to deliver a broad and balanced scientific curriculum from EYFS to the end of Key Stage 2 by following the 2014 National Curriculum for Science to ensure that all children develop scientific knowledge and understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.  We aim to inspire our students to make informed decisions and think in scientific ways through our enquiry skills and approaches, so that they become increasingly confident in asking and answering questions and have a sense of wonder about the natural world around them. 

Early Years Foundation Stage 

Children begin to build wonder and excitement of their natural world through child-led exploration and discovery as they begin their learning journey.   

By the end of EYFS, we aim for pupils to develop an awareness of their natural, local environment and start to make sense of the immediate world around them. 

Understanding the World: World: 

• making sense of seasonal changes through observations, asking questions, walks and planting bean seeds. 

• start to develop an understanding of living things and their habitats through observing the life cycle of a butterfly and fruit tree. 

• begin to make comparisons of materials they use in their learning (play dough, clay, bread dough and pastry); and understand what sinking and floating means through experimenting, questioning and observing.  

Key Stage 1 

During Key Stage 1 we aim to set the foundations for our pupils in their scientific journey.  Continuing from their learning in EYFS, we encourage them to explore and observe more of the natural world around them; and for them to ask questions and start to express their views.  We strive for pupils to begin working scientifically by classifying and identifying patterns through collection and recording.  We introduce them to appropriate scientific equipment and build an awareness of working safely.   

By the end of KS1, our pupils will have completed all areas of the Science KS1 National Curriculum, including: 

• experience of different types of scientific enquiries through practical and hands-on activities. 

• using a wide vocabulary appropriate to the specific science areas, including simple scientific language. 

• asking and answering, through simple tests and observations, scientific relevant questions. 

• understand how to perform simple tests, identify and classify, and gather and record data. 

Key Stage 2 

In Key Stage 2 we aim to build on pupil’s prior knowledge and skills to further develop their scientific journey.  We strive to develop their curiosity further by encouraging them to think creatively, to discuss their ideas and ask key questions that may guide their investigations.  With guidance, they use specialist scientific equipment and are encouraged to take responsibility for working safely and have an understanding why.   

By the end of KS2, our pupils will have completed all areas of the Science KS2 National Curriculum, including: 

• planning and setting up different types of scientific enquiries, using their knowledge and science experiences to explore new ideas and different questions.. 

• regularly use relevant and a wide scientific vocabulary and language to discuss, communicate and justify their scientific ideas. 

• make informed choices and decisions about appropriate observations to make, what measurements to take and with what equipment, and how to measure and record accurately. 

• have developed confidence and familiarity through their scientific experiences and ideas so that they are prepared for their next steps into KS3. 

We aim for our children to have developed detailed scientific knowledge and skills, as well as continuing to be curious and retain their sense of wonder as they prepare for the next steps in their education and for their future.  The quality of science education across the school is monitored and reviewed termly, including supportive learning walks, which allow for discussion and conversations with staff and pupils; book reviews; and long and medium-term planning of sequenced lessons followed by the teaching teams, ensures our pupils experience, enjoy and have the potential to excel in their science journey with us at Camelford Primary School.  Displays, pupil voice, legacy projects and flipbooks are a celebration of our children’s high quality learning journey.