Science
Curriculum Statement
"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.”
Our Science Curriculum
At Otley All Saints, we recognise the importance of science to enable the children to understand how and why things happen in the world around them. Throughout their time at school, children build a base of substantive knowledge about different areas of science and they also develop their disciplinary skills of scientific enquiry. Wherever possible, children learn through first hand practical experience to investigate their ideas and draw conclusions from their results. Mathematical and communication skills are vital to being an effective scientist, therefore children draw on what they have learned in other areas of the curriculum during science.
Children also learn to appreciate the links between science and the environment and sustainability. There are opportunities to experience the natural world in our school grounds, on Otley Chevin and by the River Wharfe. Further enrichment takes place through events such as educational visits to Harlow Carr, Hesketh Farm, Otley Science Fair and our Science Club.
In Reception the children explored the Peace Garden to find signs of Autumn to find out about changes that occur over time.
In Year 1, children explored their senses and were able to identify and classify different types of taste and smell.
In Year 2, children planted bulbs and found out what they needed to be able to grow.
In Year 4, the children enjoyed a visit from an expert in the science of sound to help deepen their understanding of the topic.
In Year 5 children explored different ways to separate materials such as a mixture of sand and salt.
In Year 3 the children carried out an investigation to test which surfaces create the most friction.
Science learning websites
In Year 6, children applied their knowledge of the heart and circulation, found from a range of sources, to make ‘blood smoothies’ containing different components found in blood.