Subject Intent

Our Science curriculum is deliberately structured to teach children the skills needed to work scientifically by understanding the nature, processes and methods of Science.  Children begin their work as Scientists by questioning and classifying the world around them, performing simple tests, making observations, gathering and recording data before drawing conclusions from their results. Children apply and develop these across their time at Foundry Lane, making developmental links by recognising the knowledge and skills learnt from previous years, and building upon these within their current year group curriculum. In KS2, once these initial skills are secure, they learn how to make comparative and fair tests, seek patterns and trends within results as well as analyse the reliability of evidence. In all year groups, staff support pupils to work collaboratively and build the specialised vocabulary needed to engage in meaningful discussions. Through discussion, recording and observation, teachers and pupils evaluate the learning that has taken place during each block of knowledge to address misconceptions and secure understanding before moving onto the new key block of knowledge. By the end of Year 6, pupils will have a comprehensive understanding of: animals including humans, plants, living things and their habitats, materials, light, sound, forces, states of matter, Earth and Space and seasonal changes.

At Foundry Lane, we support the needs of learners by providing hands on learning experiences across a range of contexts such as the classroom, the school environment, the locality around the school and trips. Every year, a whole school Science day is dedicated to an area of science knowledge. This gives pupils the chance to explore, at an age appropriate level, these concepts in a holistic school approach sharing their successes together. Science at Foundry Lane supports children’s life-long learning by equipping them with the scientific knowledge and skills to understand the uses and implications of Science today and for the future.