Shakespeare Infant School
We Care
Science
Science at Shakespeare Infant School
Intent
At Shakespeare Infant School, we believe every child deserves a rich and engaging science education that sparks curiosity and deep thinking. Science is an essential part of life, and our curriculum is designed to empower children through hands-on learning, encouraging them to explore, investigate, and problem-solve. We nurture pupils to ask meaningful questions and develop a strong understanding of the world around them.
Our stimulating environment, including fantastic outdoor spaces, provides opportunities for creative and challenging scientific discovery. By fostering inquiry through 'what if?' and 'how does this work?' questions we help children develop essential scientific skills that they can carry into adulthood.
Science at Shakespeare Infant School is seamlessly integrated with other subjects, strengthening connections between knowledge, creativity, and practical learning. We embed our school values—collaboration, independence, creativity, and curiosity—into our teaching, ensuring that science is accessible and inspiring for all learners. Rooted in our ‘We Care’ ethos, our curriculum supports the whole child, making learning personal, memorable, and meaningful. We are committed to building confident, inquisitive thinkers who appreciate how science shapes their lives and the world around them.
Our Wonderful Experiences
We are very lucky at SIS to have fantastic outdoor learning opportunities and very special visitors. Our woodland allows children to investigate different aspects of nature and witness the effect of seasonal changes first hand. The woodland supports our integrated curriculum - particularly when it comes to learning about mini beasts, plants and seasons. Our visitors allow us to experience extra-ordinary and awe inspiring things first hand.
Science in our school
"Science is about the miracle of the mundane - and children can appreciate this best. Every child is a scientist!" - Susan Bosak
Implementation
At Shakespeare Infant School, we provide an engaging and high-quality integrated science curriculum that ensures clear progression across all year groups. Science is taught through exciting projects, either as the lead subject or integrated with others, creating meaningful learning experiences.
In the Foundation Stage, children explore science through Understanding of the World, developing early observational and problem-solving skills. They engage in hands-on investigations, such as testing materials to build a floating pirate ship, fostering curiosity and confidence. In Key Stage One, the curriculum is structured into key areas: Plants, Animals (including humans), Living Things and Their Habitats, Materials, and Seasonal Changes. These topics are carefully sequenced across Years 1 and 2, allowing children to build knowledge progressively while reinforcing prior learning.
As their scientific understanding deepens, pupils become more proficient in using equipment, collecting results, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. Cross-curricular connections are embedded throughout, ensuring a well-rounded approach to learning. Year 1 undertakes a longitudinal study on seasonal change, enhancing fieldwork skills and appreciation of the school's inspiring outdoor spaces.
Science at Shakespeare Infant School is designed to spark curiosity and challenge misconceptions through engaging hooks and problem-solving tasks. Each project has a clear purpose, allowing children to develop scientific knowledge, skills, and language simultaneously. We enrich learning through trips to places like Hillier Gardens and visits from experts, such as the Planetarium and Spirit of the Wild, broadening cultural capital and real-world understanding.
Our hands-on approach encourages exploration and inquiry, empowering pupils to investigate scientific concepts independently. Whether designing moon rovers or questioning natural phenomena, children develop confidence in working scientifically. By embedding our school's learning values into everyday teaching, we create a purposeful and inspiring curriculum that nurtures lifelong curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world.
Working Scientifically
Our science curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and encourage children to think and work scientifically. We create opportunities for pupils to explore, ask thoughtful questions, and seek answers about the world around them. Through hands-on experiments and inquiry-based learning, children develop an understanding that science often presents multiple possibilities rather than just one solution. They are encouraged to observe closely, use scientific equipment, and conduct simple tests to investigate ideas. By recording and reflecting on their findings, pupils learn to analyse results and draw meaningful conclusions, strengthening their critical thinking skills in an engaging and supportive environment.
Science Learning Links
Please click on the following link for the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Science.