Science

    Science is a core subject in the curriculum and is a vital part of your child’s development. Science provides opportunities to find out about aspects of the world through the teaching of enquiring, investigating and knowledge. It stimulates and excites pupil’s curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them.

    At Norwood Green Infant and Nursery School we teach the scientific enquiry skills along side the biological, chemical and physical elements of science. Our aim is to develop children’s knowledge of life processes and living things, materials and their properties and physical processes. By providing investigative work, children have the opportunity to develop their ideas and the skills of predicting, making observations, presenting evidence, drawing conclusions and explaining findings.

    The children have a science lesson once a week. The lessons use a range of resources including ICT and provide the children with visual and practical experiences which can engage learners at many different levels. Children’s work is displayed in all classes alongside key concepts s and vocabulary for each topic.

    The teaching of science follows the QCA scheme which ensures full coverage of the national curriculum. This framework allows for the topics to be revisited but at a progressively higher level and at a different context.

    At the end of each half term, the children in years 1 and 2 are assessed on the work covered in the unit and undertake a scientific investigation. At the end of year 2 the children receive an overall SATS level which is based upon these assessments.

    In the Foundation Stage the science objectives for the children are taken from the Early Learning Goals. The teaching and learning is taught through knowledge and understanding of the world in a practical hands on manner.  

    Science has a valuable contribution to make in the teaching of other curriculum areas. In literacy, speaking and listening skills can be developed though discussion and recounting observations. Written skills can be developed though recording information. Throughout the school, children are given the opportunity to go on visits which link directly to the science curriculum. These have included the London Butterfly House, Legoland, The Discovery Centre and London Zoo.