Science
At Shaw Cross we encourage children to be inquisitive and have a questioning approach to what they learn in science. There is an emphasis on investigation and problem solving set within meaningful contexts where our children can find out about the variety of life, materials and physical processes within the world around them. We believe that encouraging an active involvement in practical work is science enables children to develop and explore their enquiry skills, be encouraged to explain what is happening, predict what may happen, and begin to analyse and reason. Whilst undertaking these processes they also enhance their knowledge and understanding of key scientific concepts.
In the Foundation Stage science is explored through the specific area of ‘Understanding the World’, and in Key Stage One through the National Curriculum introduced in 2014 which placed a greater emphasis on children understanding and exploring the world around them. Wherever possible we make use of our extensive school grounds to enhance the opportunities for first-hand experience and for children discovering for themselves. We also maximise the use of our educational visits to enable children to access scientific learning beyond that of the school grounds, and gain first-hand experience of locations they may otherwise never experience, e.g. Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve.
We broaden children’s horizons to the role that science has had in key advancements, to how science has changed lives and how it has a vital role in shaping the future. We link this to historical enquiry skills by focussing on key people who have used science to progress within their specific fields e.g space exploration, George Stephenson trains, polar explorers, natural historians such as David Attenborough.
We ensure all children have access to the content of the EYFS curriculum and the National Curriculum for science.
Click here for the EYFS curriculum.
Click here for the Year 1 curriculum.
Click here for the Year 2 curriculum.