At The Willows, we want to encourage children to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity. Our science curriculum enhances the knowledge and skills to help them become confident scientists for an evolving world. We believe it is important to shape their interest in science while they still have that enthusiasm for the world around them. Science helps them understand many of the world-wide issues that will affect them when they are adults.

We follow the National Curriculum for Science which aims to ensure that all children: 

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

• Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them. 

• Are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Each year group builds on prior learning to show progression of knowledge and skills and embraces the process of scientific explorations, investigations and discoveries. We expect the high standards of literacy and maths skills in our science work, as in any other part of the curriculum. We use our ‘forest school facility’ and the school grounds throughout the years as part of the practical, hands-on experiences which we encourage in our science learning. 

Teachers use 'CUSP Science’ to aid their planning and the following steps ensure that the whole school promotes a positive learning experience enabling all children to achieve high standards in science.  

• Knowledge organisers can be found in children's books, at the beginning of topics, to support children in recalling and retaining key knowledge.  

• Key vocabulary is visible on our science working walls. 

This will ensure that children have a secure understanding of each key block before progressing to the next stage. Children will build up an extended specialist vocabulary and apply their mathematical knowledge including collecting, presenting and analysing data. ‘Working scientifically’ strands are embedded into the lessons that we teach through a variety of approaches that develop scientific enquiry. 

Through careful assessment and planning, the children at The Willows are equipped with the knowledge and skills to build on their understanding of the world. They are provided with opportunities to develop their knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Children enjoy science as teachers promote curiosity and utilise the outside environment to enhance their experiences, especially through ‘Forest School’. Children make links with their learning and possible careers in science through the range of scientific skills taught.