Science Curriculum Aims

AT Anker Valley Primary Academy, our Science curriculum gives children a strong understanding of the world around them and develops their natural curiosity to find out how and why things happen in the way they do.  Children experience science through different contexts that are engaging, contextual and appropriate for their age group. They are given opportunities to observe the world around them both natural and man-made. They acquire knowledge, skills and understanding to help them to think scientifically using enquiry and investigation.

Children learn to ask scientific questions and discuss issues which effect their lives, their community and the world as a whole, now and in the future. Children are able to apply their knowledge through planning, conducting and evaluating a range of scientific investigations throughout the year which also enable them to explore science in a range of contexts. The children are immersed in scientific vocabulary, which aids children’s knowledge and equips them with the ability to be able to explain scientific concepts for themselves.

At Anker Valley Primary Academy, our Science curriculum is based on the programmes of study set out in ‘Understanding the World’ in EYFS and the Key Stage 1 and 2 Science National Curriculum.  It is designed to ensure that it provides the progression and coverage that meets the needs of all pupils across the school.  It is planned and sequenced so that new knowledge, skills and understanding build on what has already been taught. 

In Reception, the children are provided with experiences which enable them to develop skills of observation, exploration, prediction, enquiry and critical thinking.  By providing the children with the opportunity to communicate and record their observations and predictions orally, we set the foundations of working scientifically.

Through our science curriculum children in KS1 and KS2 explore and find out by: observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things, carrying out simple comparative tests and finding things out using books, photographs, videos and the internet.  The children are encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice, making links with their previous learning and thinking independently.

Mrs Natalie Horlor is the Curriculum Lead at Anker Valley.