Science

Science follows the Kent Scheme of Work for Science (KSOW) 2014

Sequence of knowledge and concepts

In accordance with the guidance in the new National Curriculum, the KSOW has clearly indicated a progression in the key scientific knowledge and concepts, from Year 1 to Year 6. Each unit clearly indicates the aspects of knowledge to be developed. Where appropriate, the unit will indicate the ‘learning journey’; i.e. where the knowledge and concepts of that particular unit fit within the learning as the child progresses through primary school. As you will see, many units will be re-visited, developed and extended during their time with us at Vale View.

Year 1

• Animals including humans
• Seasonal change
• Everyday materials
• Green Plants

Year 2

• All living things and their habitats
• Uses of everyday materials
• Plants
• Animals including humans

Year 3

• Rocks
• Electricity
• Light
• Animals including humans

Year 4

• All living things
• Forces and magnets
• States of matter
• Animals including humans
• Sound

Year 5

• Properties and changes of Materials
• Living Things and their habitats
• Animals including humans
• Light
• Forces

Year 6

• Animals including humans
• Electricity
• Earth and Space
• Evolution and inheritance
• All living things

The scheme includes a range of activities that will enable the children to develop both their scientific understanding and their mastery of the nature, processes and method of science.

‘Working Scientifically’

Throughout each and every unit of study the emphasis is on the children learning by doing. In accordance with the constructivist theory of learning, teachers are encouraged to provide activities that will enable the children to test their previously held ideas. They will also be encouraged to develop a bank of skills and an understanding of the processes required to be able to do good science.

Scientific vocabulary

Each unit of study contains a section outlining the most appropriate scientific vocabulary to be used when studying that particular area of science. This will help children to become familiar with, and use, technical terminology accurately and precisely.

Scientists

Every unit of work lists some of the scientists who are working, or have worked, in that particular area of science.

Recording

There are suggestions throughout every unit as to how the children could record their learning. Consideration has been given to not just how they will record, but also the reason for recording in each of the different instances.

A range of learning strategies designed to engage the children

As well as the full range of practical scientific enquiries outlined, there are plenty of other strategies provided to engage the children in their science learning; drama, deep thinking time, problem-solving in various contexts, videos from web pages, etc

Assessment

Pupils’ knowledge and understanding of a unit are assessed each term. Scientific skills continue to be tracked, developed and assessed in every unit.