SCIENCE

Through science at Newton Farm, we aim to give all our children an understanding of the world around them. When children are studying science at the primary level, they should be acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

At Newton Farm, scientific enquiry skills are embedded in each topic the children study with the aim of helping them to answer questions about the world around them. These topics are revisited and developed throughout their time at Newton Farm. Topics, such as Plants, are taught in Key Stage One and studied again in greater depth throughout Key Stage Two. This model allows children to build upon their prior knowledge and increases their enthusiasm for the topics. All children are encouraged to develop and use a range of skills including observations, planning and investigations. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built up, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged. Concepts taught should be reinforced by focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions.

We aim, through our teaching, for our children to develop an interest and enthusiasm for Science.

We also encourage our children to apply their mathematical knowledge to their understanding of science, including collecting, presenting and analysing data.

Furthermore, we aim to embed cross-curricular opportunities within our science curriculum, especially mathematics and writing opportunities, e.g. writing explanations, report writing, writing instructions, etc.

The Science Museum in London is a fantastic place for children to learn interactively whilst having fun. Look at the topic your child is studying and read non-fiction books with them about what they are learning in class.