Early Years
Children begin their scientific journey in the Early Years Foundation Stage, where they engage in a variety of high-quality activities that spark their curiosity and encourage a questioning mindset. Through the ‘Understanding the World’ area of learning, children are introduced to scientific concepts indirectly, allowing them to explore, observe, and ask questions about their surroundings. Activities are designed to develop their problem-solving skills and understanding of natural phenomena.
Our Early Years provision emphasises hands-on experiences, such as exploring creatures, plants, and objects in their natural environments. Children engage their senses, feeling different materials or listening to environmental sounds like sirens or animal calls. These activities help them make observations, recognise patterns, and understand changes in the world around them.
Children are encouraged to conduct simple experiments, make predictions, and discuss their findings, enhancing their critical thinking and communication skills. For example, they might explore how the incline of a slope affects the speed of a rolling vehicle or investigate the workings of a mechanical toy.
Our dedicated staff in the Early Years create an engaging and supportive environment, guiding children through activities that build a strong foundation in scientific understanding. Extensive training and CPD ensure that staff can facilitate high-quality interactions, nurturing each child’s natural curiosity and love for science.
Science in Years 1 - 6
We implement the Primary Knowledge Curriculum from Years 1 to 6, ensuring a broad, balanced, and knowledge-rich educational experience for all pupils. Our curriculum is designed to build a deep understanding of core subjects through carefully structured units that foster curiosity and a love of learning. The curriculum includes a wide range of subjects such as history, geography, science, and the arts, all of which are interwoven to provide a cohesive learning journey.
Science education at Arden is made interactive and engaging through the use of correct scientific resources and hands-on activities. Our science curriculum follows a long-term plan that ensures a progression of learning across all year groups, focusing on both content knowledge and the development of scientific skills. This progression is carefully mapped to revisit and build upon key concepts, particularly in topics that span multiple years.
To support the progression of scientific skills, we utilise TAPS (Teacher Assessment in Primary Science) resources from Bath Spa University. These resources provide a structured framework for focused activities and assessments, ensuring that 'Working Scientifically' skills are taught, practised, and developed consistently throughout the primary years.
Science lessons are conducted weekly, adhering to the long-term plan for Science. Age-appropriate content and technical vocabulary are systematically introduced, enabling pupils to discuss, investigate, and evaluate scientific concepts confidently. Our long-term plans also highlight the connections between science and other curriculum areas, enhancing the coherence and relevance of pupils' learning experiences.
Throughout the Primary Knowledge Curriculum, we place a strong emphasis on the use of high-quality, knowledge-rich resources. Teachers and support staff are committed to providing swift interventions where needed, ensuring that all pupils can achieve high standards and develop a thorough understanding of the subjects they study.
