Science

The Science Curriculum

SNAP is the Scheme of Work that has been chosen to support Science teaching and learning at St Nicholas.   It ensures that skills and knowledge are built upon progressively, children are actively engaged as young scientists and that the requirements of the National Curriculum are met.

An overview of Science themes from Year R to Year 6 can be viewed on the 'Curriculum Overview' section of the website.   Care has been taken to make cross curricular links with other subjects where it is beneficial to do so.

At St Nicholas, we aim for every child to: -

• develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
• develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries 
• are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
• develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world around them

Teaching and Learning

Teachers use SNAP Science Scheme of Work to support the delivery of each series of lessons.  Adaptions are made to support the varying needs of learners and to utilise the benefits of the local environment.

Lessons are usually weekly but sometimes they are blocked to allow for extended time with some investigations.

Each lesson follows a similar approach which is for children to: -

• Share what they know already about this subject
• Know what the question and subject looks like in a familiar context 
• Have active, practical engagement in exploring the subject material to stimulate and maintain a natural curiosity
• Ask questions in order that their curiosity leads to authentic and purposeful science investigation
• Communicate their reflections and findings in an appropriate and meaningful way

The Subject Summaries above are shared with the children to provide an overview of new key knowledge and subject specific vocabulary.  They are also used to share how new learning builds upon previous learning and for reference and  revision.