Science

The scientist is not the person who gives the right answers, they are the ones who ask the right questions.

Claude Levi Strauss

At Archibald we firmly believe that Science is fun! Our pupils will develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. We help to develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help our children answer scientific questions about the world around them. We strive to ensure that pupils are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. At Archibald, we also we understand that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that the knowledge can be taught through this.

Key Aims

The 2014 National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all children:

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 that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
Are equipped with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. We understand that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that the knowledge can be taught through this.

How do we teach science?

Science is taught weekly in Years 1-4 and frequently across each half term in EYFS as part of Understanding the World. In delivering the science curriculum, challenges are embedded to deepen pupil knowledge and allow scientific potential to be fulfilled. Each half term, our year groups cover a new a science unit of learning. This is delivered via a key question to promote curiosity and provide a focus for our children's learning.

Examples of our key questions include:

How do materials change and what should they be used for?
Why do I have a shadow?
Where do raindrops go?

Working Scientifically

As well as focusing on the Working Scientifically aspect, we also ensure that there is a balanced range of the five working scientifically enquiry types within each year group:

observation over time
identifying and classifying
fair testing
research
pattern-seeking

Key Documents

AFS Science Overview AFS Science Curriculum Statement

Our Science Awards

In September 2018, and again in 2022, we were awarded the Primary Science Gilt Award. We are looking forward to embarking on the Primary Science Award process for the third time in September 2025.

Archibald First School

Archibald
First School