Holly Grove Primary School Science Vision

At Holly Grove Primary School we believe that children should be given the opportunity to explore and understand the world in which they live. Science at Holly Grove is about giving children the tools to develop their ideas and ways of working that enable them to understand the world through investigation with independence, resilience and enjoyment. Science inspires children, encouraging them to be inquisitive about the world, nurtures their innate curiosity and enables them to develop a range of skills that are useful across their learning. By the end of their primary education our pupils should be equipped to make informed decisions about new technologies, their health and the scientific opportunities around them.

Our science curriculum offers a broad range of experiences designed to provide pupils with a progression of scientific understanding, skills and knowledge. Importance is placed on first hand experiences with an expectation that teachers will access the wide range of resources available as well as regular use of habitats across the school grounds and local areas.

Understanding of key ideas in science is built on across the key stages and a progression of skills allows pupils to move from early observations and exploration, to considered questioning and drawing out of ideas.

Strategies to allow pupils to show their deeper understanding of key scientific ideas include;

Mind maps

Annotated drawings

Planning their own investigations

Investigations where the answer is not already known

Conclusions and the development of further questions

Long term studies using the school grounds.

At Holly Grove Primary School, we aim to provide a learning atmosphere which reflects upon and encourages our TORCH values that promotes curiosity, perseverance, open-mindedness, critical reflection and co-operation within Science.

We believe that a broad and balanced science education is the entitlement of all children, regardless of ethnic, origin, gender, class, aptitude or disability.

Subject Organisation and Planning

The National Curriculum is divided into 3 stages:

Key Stage One (YR1/2)

Lower Key Stage Two (YR3/4)

Upper Key Stage Two (YR5/6)

By the end of each key stage, children are expected to know, apply and understand the relevant programmes of study.   

In the Foundation Stage, children are given opportunities to explore scientific ideas though their play and exploration, and as a planned part of each topic.

Click on the link to gain a deeper understanding of the knowledge and skills developed through each unit of study.