Science
Our Science Curriculum
At Gorefield Primary Academy, we want our children to be curious, inquisitive and excited about the world around them. We follow the CUSP Science curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced and ambitious curriculum that develops children’s scientific knowledge, vocabulary and understanding as they progress through school.
Our aim is for every child to see themselves as a young scientist. Children are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, investigate ideas, observe closely and use evidence to explain what they have discovered.
What Does Science Look Like at Gorefield?
Science at Gorefield is practical, engaging and accessible to all learners. Alongside developing secure scientific knowledge, we place a strong emphasis on working scientifically and giving children opportunities to experience Science for themselves.
Across the school, children develop their understanding through:
- asking scientific questions
- making careful observations
- carrying out practical investigations
- making predictions and testing ideas
- using scientific equipment appropriately
- identifying, grouping and classifying
- gathering and recording results
- recognising patterns
- using scientific vocabulary
- using evidence to explain what they have found out.
We believe children learn Science best when they are actively involved. Wherever possible, children have opportunities to explore, investigate and apply their knowledge through practical, hands-on experiences.
Thinking Like a Scientist
An important part of Science at Gorefield is developing children’s working scientifically skills.
As children progress through school, they become increasingly independent in planning investigations, deciding how to gather evidence, recording their findings and drawing conclusions.
We encourage our children to ask questions such as:
What do I notice? Why might this happen? What do I predict? How could we find out? What does our evidence tell us?
By encouraging curiosity and questioning, we want children to understand that Science is not simply about knowing facts. It is about exploring, investigating and finding out.
What Do Our Children Study?
Year 1 and Year 2
Our youngest scientists begin by exploring the world immediately around them.
Children study:
- Seasonal changes and daily weather
- Plants and trees
- Animals, including humans
- Everyday materials
- Plants
- Revisiting plants and animals, including humans
Children develop their observation and classification skills while exploring familiar plants, animals, materials and seasonal changes. Practical experiences help children make connections between their Science lessons and the world they experience every day.
Year 3 and Year 4
As children progress through Key Stage 2, they develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and become increasingly confident when carrying out investigations.
Children study:
- Rocks
- Animals, including humans
- Forces and magnets
- Plants
- Light
Children have opportunities to investigate, compare, classify and observe while developing their ability to use scientific evidence to explain their ideas.
Year 5 and Year 6
In Upper Key Stage 2, children encounter increasingly complex scientific ideas and build upon the knowledge and skills developed earlier in school.
Children study:
- Properties and changes of materials
- Forces
- Animals, including humans
- Earth and space
- Living things and their habitats
Children develop greater independence when working scientifically and are encouraged to select appropriate ways to investigate questions, record findings and use evidence to support their conclusions.
Bringing Science to Life
We want Science at Gorefield to feel relevant and exciting. Practical investigation is an important part of our approach, helping children understand that Science exists all around them.
Children are encouraged to observe the natural world, explore materials and forces, investigate plants and animals, and ask questions about things they encounter in everyday life.
Our goal is for children to leave Gorefield as curious, confident and enthusiastic young scientists who are excited to continue questioning and discovering the world around them.
Please find below some useful links to enhance pupils science learning at home:
Learning | Science Museum Group