Primary Science

Key skills / knowledge covered

• The ability to think independently and raise questions about working scientifically and the knowledge and skills that it brings.
• Confidence and competence in the full range of practical skills, taking the initiative in, for example, planning and carrying out scientific investigations.
• Excellent scientific knowledge and understanding which is demonstrated in written and verbal explanations, solving challenging problems and reporting scientific findings.
• High levels of originality, imagination or innovation in the application of skills.
• The ability to undertake practical work in a variety of contexts, including fieldwork.
• A passion for science and its application in past, present and future technologies.

Key skills / knowledge covered

 During lower key stage 2 the children will learn to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the programme of study content; asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them.

Working Scientifically in Year 3

The children will learn to:

• setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
• making systematic and careful observations and where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment, including thermometers and data loggers
• gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering questions
• recording findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys, bar charts, and tables
• reporting on findings from enquiries, including oral and written explanations, displays or presentations of results and conclusions
• using results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions for new values, suggest improvements and raise further questions
• identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
• using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings.

Working Scientifically in Year 4

During Year 4 the children will learn to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the programme of study content:

• asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
• setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
• making systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment, including thermometers and data loggers
• gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering questions
• recording findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys, bar charts, and tables
• reporting on findings from enquiries, including oral and written explanations, displays or presentations of results and conclusions
• using results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions for new values, suggest improvements and raise further questions
• identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
• using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings.

 Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 & 6)

 Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum 2014. The objectives for Science as set out in the National Curriculum for year 3-6 for each year group the objectives are set out under the each of the areas of scientific study underpinned by working scientifically using practical scientific methods, processes and skills.

 Topics / themes covered in Year 5

Key skills / knowledge covered

During upper key stage 2 the children will learn to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the programme of study content; asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them.

Working Scientifically

During years 5 and 6 the children will learn to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the programme of study content:

• planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision recording data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, and bar and line graphs using test results to make predictions to set up further comparative and fair tests
• reporting and presenting findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations identifying scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments.

Link to relevant National Curriculum document on DfE website OR pdf download

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-science-programmes-of-study/national-curriculum-in-england-science-programmes-of-study

Summary of statutory assessments

The purpose of statutory assessment is to assign a ‘best fit’ level to each pupil in order to track which element of the curriculum they have adequately achieved and those which may require more attention. For Science, teachers assess pupils as to whether they are working at the expected level. Areas of assessment are split into three levels: developing understanding, secure and extending understanding.

How parents can support their child

Places to visit in London 
London has a wide variety of amazing places you can take your children to explore Science based activities, whilst spending quality time with you children:

• Science Museum (free of charge)
• Natural History Museum (free of charge)
• London Zoo/ Aquarium
• Local parks – mini beast/ plant hunts
• New City farm
• The Royal Observatory

• Centre of the Cell)
• Taking part in workshops organised by Lee Valley (https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/en/content/cms/education/schools-groups/special-needs/)
• Exploring local areas such as Epping Forest (https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/epping-forest-and-visitor-centre)
• Visits to interesting places such as Butterfly Farm in St. Albans, Waltham Abbey Gardens and following nature trails of amazing Lee Valley.

Get involved in homework projects and hands on activities

Providing access to interesting websites for further exploration

Links to useful websites

Here is a list of useful links that can be used to help support your child with their science learning: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science         

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/living_things/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/materials/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/physical_processes/
http://www.primarygames.com/science.php
http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/revision/Science/
http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/science/index.html
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/ks2science.html

Below are some websites where you can find fun, easy to manage investigations for you and your children to enjoy together:

https://sciencebob.com/category/experiments/

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html

http://www.schoolofdragons.com/how-to-train-your-dragon/science-experiments

http://www.greatplanthunt.org/

http://www.simplyscience.com/science_resources/kids/

http://discoverykids.com/ 

https://www.brainpop.com/ 

http://group.sciencemuseum.org.uk/

http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/interactives/science/