Science

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."

- Albert Einstein

At The Avenue, we believe it is essential for our children to gain a deep understanding of the core scientific concepts and knowledge. Our curriculum is developed in line with the National Curriculum and it is taught in a way that engages every pupil, connects to their experiences and integrates other areas of learning across the wider curriculum.

Intent

At The Avenue, our Science curriculum is broad and balanced and designed to ignite curiosity, inspire discovery and develop a deep understanding of the world. Through a balance of theoretical learning and practical experimentation, we aim to nurture critical thinkers who can ask questions, investigate ideas and apply scientific knowledge. We hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and instil them with excellent scientific knowledge and skills that they can use in these rapidly changing times. Teachers provide every child with high-quality teaching and learning experiences that exude excitement and allow for exploration and discovery. We want to ensure that key scientific principles are taught rigorously and consistently, thus providing the building blocks for future learning. We have high expectations for all of our children at The Avenue School and we want to develop well-rounded, morally aware pupils whilst fostering a lifelong passion for Science, encouraging environmental awareness and equipping every learner with the skills needed for future scientific and technological challenges and changes.

Implementation

The school has created its own ‘Science Overviews’ that are mapped out from Year 1 to Year 6, and children in EYFS are introduced to science indirectly through activities, play and exploration in the 'Understanding the World' Area of Learning. The purpose of the overviews is to create a progressive sequence of scientific knowledge, skills and vocabulary. The 2014 National Curriculum objectives and scientific skills have been specifically chosen for each term and these sit alongside a scientific experiment. The careful design of these overviews gives the teacher a good structure from which to plan a sequenced block of lessons.

To support the overviews, ‘Knowledge Booklets’ have been created for pupils to showcase their learning. These are meticulously planned to develop a well-sequenced learning journey. Key information and vocabulary is outlined in the ‘knowledge organiser’ page at the front and this culminates in an experiment to apply skills and knowledge. Within each booklet, there are many opportunities to dive deeper including a moral question, which promotes higher order thinking. We believe it is important for children to be historically aware and have thus created a scientific timeline to help children to see the bigger picture. Opportunities for returning to, and expanding on prior knowledge, is built into the booklets as this is crucial for developing schema and long term retention.

Impact

We want every child to leave The Avenue with not only the age-related knowledge aligned with the Science curriculum, but also the skills they need to continue to make progress and to apply their learning in everyday life. Each child will have developed sound scientific knowledge, enquiry skills and rich vocabulary. When our pupils leave The Avenue, they will have a better knowledge and understanding of the world around them as well as a desire to learn more about how and why things happen and to continue exploring the impact of Science on their lives and the wider environment.

Science Events

Science Dome 

To support geography and science learning, Science Dome UK visited Key Stage 2 to provide a fully immersive visual and interactive experience with a mobile planetarium, featuring topics covered in lessons. 

This was a wonderful experience for the children as they were able to ask questions to deepen their understanding across a range of topics and they had the opportunity to see geography and science 'brought to life'.

Science Week 2025 - 'Change and Adapt'

This year's Acorn Education Trust Science Week challenge was all about making music!

In Key Stage 1, the children were tasked with performing a tune using glass bottles. In Key Stage 2, the children built their very own bands and played a tune together using instruments they made in class. We discussed the ways in which we could make different sounds and pitches.

As well as making wonderful music, the children demonstrated great teamwork and communication skills, curiosity and creativity.