Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception)

Understanding the World (The Natural World):

Early Learning Goal: Children know about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects, materials and living things. They talk about the features of their own immediate environment and how environments might vary from one another. They make observations of animals and plants and explain why some things occur, and talk about changes.

National Curriculum Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)

National curriculum purpose of study: A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

National curriculum aims:

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develp scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
• develp 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 knwledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

School intent: At Hassocks Infant School it is our intent to encourage our children to be curious about natural phenomena and satisfy their curiosity with knowledge. In our rapidly evolving world it is important our children are taught essential aspects of Scientific knowledge, methods and processes. They will be given first hand opportunities to experience Science in action. We encourage our pupils to ask lots of questions, investigate and evaluate their Scientific findings. Children will learn to question and discuss science-based issues that may affect their own lives, the direction of society and the future of the world.