At Linton CE Infants School we believe that a high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

As scientists, our children experience the subject through an assortment of specific skills, which help them think scientifically using enquiry, investigation and questioning. Through first-hand experience in using the different types of scientific enquiry, children have the opportunity to answer scientific questions about the world around them.

In order to achieve our aims we will:

• Teach science in a positive, interesting and engaging way for all children
• Ensure children have the fundamental scientific knowledge needed to meet their curriculum objectives
• Provide regular opportunities for children to plan, predict, carry out and evaluate their own investigations when appropriate
• Use practical, hands on approach wherever possible using everyday materials and experiences
• Ensure continuity and progression through adherence to the key objectives outlined for Reception and Key Stage 1
• Provide opportunities for children to use skills from other curriculum areas e.g. literacy, numeracy and I.C.T. to enhance science

In EYFS, science is taught through both teacher led sessions and child initiated learning. Both the indoor and outdoor learning environment promote investigation, questioning and scientific exploration and learning.

In Year 1 and Year 2, science is taught through weekly, discrete sessions covering the objective as detailed in the long term planning below. In addition to this we make links to our topics and draw out scientific knowledge and understanding wherever possible. We also encourage children to explore scientifically in their child led, independent learning.