Science

Our Vision

Here at Southborough, we recognise the value of the STEM subjects and have placed them at the heart of our school curriculum, with science as the overarching lens through which we approach all of these. We aim to provide an engaging and enjoyable introduction to the world of science, through giving the children regular opportunities to take part in practical activities. We aim to identify and build on each child’s ‘science capital’ and help them recognise the value in careers in this field. We firmly believe in a ‘hands-on’ approach and strive to ensure that lessons are child-centred and led as much as possible. We intend to build a curriculum that nurtures the children’s problem solving and questioning skills and caters to their inquisitive natures and appetites for knowledge.

This term in Science

Reception

In the On the Beach project, your child will visit a beach and learn about animals that live in rock pools and on the seashore. They will explore days out at the beach and compare their experiences with beach holidays in the past. They will learn about the animals that live in the sea and find out about worldwide seas and oceans. They will explore the importance of looking after the environment to keep living things safe. They will learn about staying safe at the beach and find out about people who help us.

Year 1

In the Seasonal Changes project, your child will learn about the seasons, seasonal changes and typical seasonal weather and events. They will learn about measuring the weather and the role of a meteorologist. Your child will begin to learn about the science of day and night and recognise that the seasons have varying day lengths in the UK.

Year 2

In the Uses of Materials project, your child will learn about the uses of everyday materials and how materials' properties make them suitable or unsuitable for specific purposes. They will also begin to explore how materials can be changed.

Year 3

In the Forces and Magnets project, your child will learn about contact and non-contact forces, including friction and magnetism. They will investigate frictional and magnetic forces, and identify parts of a magnet and magnetic materials.

Year 4

In the States of Matter project, your child will learn about solids, liquids and gases and their characteristic properties. They will observe how materials change state as they are heated and cooled, and learn key terminology associated with these processes.

Year 5

In the Human Reproduction and Ageing project, your child will learn about animal life cycles, including the human life cycle. They explore human growth and development to old age, including the changes experienced during puberty and human reproduction.

Year 6

In the Electrical Circuits and Components project, your child will learn about electrical circuits, their components and how they function. They will recognise how the voltage of cells affects the output of a circuit and record circuits using standard symbols. It also teaches your child about programmable devices, sensors and monitoring. They will combine their learning to design and make programmable home devices.