Science is integral to all aspects of life and, at Birch Copse, we believe that Science provides children with an opportunity to understand the world around them and an exciting context to apply many of the other skills and disciplines they learn at school. With this in mind, we endeavour to ensure that children develop an enthusiastic attitude towards and love of Science that will stay with them for life. We aim to provide a broad, scientific curriculum that develops scientific vocabulary and empowers children to ask scientific questions – this will enable children to make careful observations and decisions based on justifiable reasons.
Science is taught through the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (Knowledge and Understanding of the World) and the programmes of study listed in the Primary National Curriculum. The Science National Curriculum identifies three key areas in which the children should be taught: knowledge and understanding; working scientifically and the application of Science. We have developed a carefully sequenced Science curriculum that ensures children cover these three aims in an accessible, creative and engaging way throughout their time at Birch Copse.
We believe that children learn Science best by doing and seeing. By providing the children with a range of opportunities to actively carry out different types of scientific enquiries, we ensure that working scientifically and application of knowledge is embedded into the heart of our Science curriculum. We ensure all learning is accessible for all children regardless of their ability or background.
For each unit programme of study, children also learn about the contributions of significant scientists and engineers from a range of cultures, past and present. This helps to make it clear to the children that Science is forever progressing and that humans’ understanding of and impact on the world is continually changing, as a result of scientific research.
The teaching and learning of Science is linked to real world experiences to encourage children to develop an understanding and enquiring mind and to enable them to experience the awe and wonder of the world we live in. We want children to see themselves as Scientists now and in the future.
Our vision is to inspire enquiring minds where children can make a positive difference to the world through Science related careers.
