Laycock Primary School

At Laycock Primary School we aim to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena and an understanding of how the scientific community contributes to the past, present and future. We want all our children to have access to the full science curriculum, making lessons meaningful so all pupils may experience the joy of science and make associations between their science learning and their lives outside the classroom. We aim to encourage critical thinking and empower pupils to question the world around them and then to be able to explain and analyse evidence. A focus on developing knowledge alongside scientific skills is important to us.

To do this we use Kapow’s Primary Science scheme of work which ensures that there is continuous progression across the key stages by building on specialist vocabulary, and practical and investigative skills.

In order to develop our children’s knowledge and understanding of Science we continuously revisit essential knowledge and skills, increasing complexity with each cycle. We use a range of engaging recall activities to promote frequent pupil reflection on prior learning, ensuring new learning is approached with confidence.

Each unit is based on one of the key science disciplines: biology, chemistry and physics. The National curriculum content has been grouped into six key areas of science to show progression throughout the school:

Plants.
Animals, including humans.
Living things and habitats.
Materials.
Energy.
Forces, Earth and space.

In EYFS (Reception), pupils build a solid foundation for science before transitioning to Key stage 1. Through hands-on exploration and focused observations, lessons spark curiosity and foster an early appreciation for the natural environment, paving the way for more structured scientific learning in Key stage 1.