Science
Science at Great Wood
At Great Wood, all children are encouraged to learn about the world 
around them through the eyes of a scientist. We seek to inspire, excite and develop a sense of curiosity about scientific processes as well as explore the impact that scientific discoveries have on our place in the world.
Throughout our curriculum, children develop a schema of scientific knowledge and a conceptual understanding of natural phenomenon. Teachers provide children with the opportunities to gather new knowledge through the fields of biology, chemistry and physics. In EYFS and Key Stage 1, children are encouraged to observe their immediate surroundings; be curious and ask questions about what they notice; notice patterns in the natural and humanly- constructed world and classify things through careful comparisons. Through practical and first- hand experiences, children at Great Wood build solid foundations of knowledge. In Key Stage 2, our pupils broaden their scientific view and begin to develop ideas about relationships between living things and familiar environments as well as functions, interactions, and relationships between things. Gradually, we introduce more abstract scientific concepts and a wide range of scientific ideas. Our science lessons allow our pupils to begin to understand and predict how the world operates. At every stage of their learning, we encourage independent thinking and build opportunities which allow children as much as possible to discover things themselves and come to their own conclusions about their findings.
Through practical experiences, Great Wood pupils 
build on their skills as a ‘scientist’ in order to answer scientific questions. In each unit of study, we incorporate opportunities for children to develop their “working scientifically skills” by performing scientific enquiries, pattern seeking investigations or comparative and fair tests. We place a huge importance on the skills of predicting what will happen; observing closely what they see; questioning and being curious; researching new concepts, planning and testing investigations, using scientific equipment, communicating results and considering their findings.
The aims of Great Wood’s Science Curriculum
- We instil a sense of respect for the wonder of the natural world and a responsibility to take care of it. Children are encouraged to take notice of seasonal changes and foster an appreciation and knowledge of plants, habitats and conservation throughout school.
- We utilise the rich resources in our local area and our school grounds in Science. Our learning about wildlife, habitats and nature is enhanced by these opportunities and provides hand on experiences for all children.
- We allow children to apply their mathematical knowledge and skills to their learning in science. It is important that children know how to present data and record findings accurately, as well as effectively read and interpret data from scientific equipment and secondary sources.
- We empower children with an understanding of themselves linking to their health. Our learning about the human body focuses on internal body functions as well as learning about how nutrition, physical fitness and mental wellbeing keeps us healthy.
- We promote a vocabulary rich science curriculum where the children explore, learn and use science specific vocabulary correctly during investigations, discussions and research.
- We aim to embed Great Wood’s key drivers throughout Science learning at Great Wood. In particular we encourage problem solving, team work, adaptability and communication of their ideas.