Intent

The national curriculum for ensures that all are prepared for a rich and varied journey in Science:

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

At Mill Hill Primary School, we want our children to embrace the opportunities that Science presents to foster curiosity about the world around them, posing questions themselves which they then experiment about. We have a progression of knowledge and skills which support us to deliver a full and engaging curriculum so that children have experience of a huge range of scientific topics. 

Implementation

Our children begin their science journey in Early Years Foundation Stage, with informal investigation within their classroom. Teachers facilitate children’s curiosity with open ended questions, following their own ideas and presenting them with a range of opportunities to come up with their own scientific experiments. 

In KS1, children continue to build on their science knowledge with more formal weekly science lessons where they are taught to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills: gathering evidence; describe how things change; spot patterns and begin to measure.

In KS2, children build on their previous skills and knowledge, recognising that conclusions may be uncertain and that re-experimentation may be needed to find the true value. They delve further into understanding fair testing and find multiple ways to record their findings, honing these as the years go on. 

At Mill Hill Primary School, we use a planning format in all year groups to support children to come up with their own scientific questions - delving into the questions surrounding key topics. We learn Key Ideas and practise using appropriate technical language. Our Science lessons are interactive and experiment-based as children retain the knowledge they have gained better in these lessons and are engaged in these lessons. They are also able to apply the scientific experiment skills they learn across all of their topics. 

Impact

For two years, we have been undertaking Longitudinal Studies in all year groups. This is our first step into long term scientific experiment, showing changes over time. These have had great successes, with children enthusiastically sharing their understanding of how seasons or time affect nature and themselves. 

Mill Hill students are enthusiastic about Science, using their Learning Toolkit Skills of Curiosity and Learning Relationships on a regular basis to extend their knowledge and promote a love of learning for a lifetime.