Intent

At Phoenix Infant Academy we want to inspire a sense of awe and wonder about the world in young learners, to develop their natural curiosity, and to lay the foundations for future scientific understanding. We want our children to develop an understanding of the uses and implications of Science, how it has changed and shaped our lives and how vital it is to the world’s future. The curriculum is designed to teach our children the skills to work scientifically and the gain the knowledge to extend their learning by asking questions. We aim to promote the acquisition of key scientific knowledge and vocabulary, foster the development of essential scientific skills, and instil a love of scientific enquiry. The intent is to provide a curriculum that is ambitious and designed to give all pupils, particularly the most disadvantaged, the knowledge they need to succeed in life.

Implementation

In Science, the children will gain knowledge of scientific concepts and deepen their understanding through ‘working scientifically’ using Cornerstones. We ensure that children get the chance to work scientifically throughout their time at Phoenix Infants. Children will learn the core skills set out in the National Curriculum.

Our Science learning offers the children lots of opportunities to ask “scientific” questions. This supports our focus on Oracy and enables all children to ask questions about the world around them.

In KS1, our children are given the opportunity to learn the skill of Identification and Classification. This is built upon the skills introduced in Reception, where, for example, our children begin to name and group plants and trees by how they look; this is then developed in Year 1 to identify, compare, group and sort a variety of common wild and garden plants.

Children will get the chance to perform simple tests throughout their time at Phoenix Infant Academy. In Year 1 children will carry out simple tests by following a set of instructions, this will allow them to begin to talk about what they might do or what might happen. For example, within our unit about animals children will perform a range of simple tests with an insect and explore the insects' senses and environment. Within Year 2 children will build on this by making a prediction at what might happen in an investigation.

Children will use observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions. Within the Year 1 unit of plant parts, the children observe changes to plants over the year and suggest why a plant looks different throughout the year, ensuring that they have the skill of observing the local environment throughout the year and ask and answer questions about living things and seasonal change. Year 2 will build on the skill of observing and begin to notice patterns and relationships in their data and explain what they have done and found out using simple scientific language.

Through observing and performing simple tests, children will be able to gather and record data to help in answering questions. Children share observations and findings and help one another to make connections in their learning and so develop a deeper understanding. Discussion has an important role in the development of scientific ideas and opportunities to discuss questions should be taken when they arise. Effective questioning by the teacher is key to allowing pupils to practise new knowledge and to help them make links between new material and prior learning.

We ensure that progression is made across all the school, for example, through units such as the Human Body. Reception cover it in understanding the world and knowing the basic parts of the body and that each body part does a different thing, this is then developed in Year 1 where children learn about the different senses and the body parts associated with those senses. This is explored once again in Year 2 where knowledge is developed and prepares them for Key Stage 2 where they will learn to identify that humans and some other animals have skeletons and muscles for support, protection and movement.

 

Impact

Pupils demonstrate a secure and broad understanding of scientific concepts, principles, and vocabulary, enabling them to explain and apply their knowledge effectively. Progress and attainment will be made across all pupil groups, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs.

Pupils exhibit a keen interest in science, demonstrating curiosity, creativity, and developing a positive attitude towards scientific exploration and investigation. Pupils are well-prepared for future scientific learning, showing enthusiasm for further study in science and aspiring to pursue scientific careers.

The effective teaching and learning of science contributes to the development of pupils' cultural capital, providing them with the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their future education and the wider world.

In conclusion, Science learning at Phoenix Infant Academy encompasses a carefully planned and well-implemented curriculum, high-quality teaching, continuous assessment, and ultimately leads to high standards of scientific understanding, engagement, and aspirations amongst pupils.

Our curriculum documents can be viewed below.

For further information, please contact Science Lead, Miss E. Towers, on 01753 521888 or post@phoenixinfants.uk.