Science
Science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Whilst at primary school these subjects are taught under the ‘science’ heading, the work we do prepares children for their studies in these areas later. Science has previously and continues to change our lives, and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. All pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science and our work at Yorke Mead focuses on this. Through building up a body of key knowledge, skills and concepts, pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of scientific explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about our natural world. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Each class studies science throughout the year, covering the National Curriculum , for instance; rocks, animals, plants, light, forces. These strands are taught through the ‘working scientifically’ strand. We are fortunate in having extensive school grounds and excellent local study centres. Links with the DT curriculum enable the practical application of scientific knowledge and we use a variety of ICT resources including a digital microscope and data logger to support our science work.
In Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 the emphasis is on direct experiences and discussion. For example, we handle and describe materials, test their absorbency then draw diagrams, fill in tables, compare results and draw conclusions about their characteristics and appropriate uses.
At Key Stage 2 children continue to investigate practically and learn to record data in increasingly more complex ways. They hypothesise, plan and carry out experiments, write up their results and draw conclusions. Topics include electricity, forces, seed dispersal and the human body.