Our science curriculum gives all infant children a broad, balanced and practical experience of biology, chemistry and physics, helping them make sense of the world around them. Through sequenced White Rose Science units, children build knowledge step by step and learn to “talk like scientists” using carefully chosen, essential vocabulary. Learning is active and hands-on, making full use of classrooms, outdoor spaces and the local area so that science is meaningful, engaging and fun. The White Rose Science scheme is adapted for our infant school to prioritise key concepts and vocabulary, rich practical investigation and regular opportunities to develop working scientifically skills.
Science is taught weekly using the White Rose Science scheme as our main framework, with clear progression from EYFS to Year 2. Medium-term plans and progression documents set out the precise knowledge, vocabulary and skills for each year group, ensuring that prior learning is revisited and built on. Every unit includes practical investigations where children ask questions, observe closely, take simple measurements, record and classify what they find, present results and draw simple conclusions. Lessons are inclusive, vocabulary-rich and rooted in real-life contexts, with frequent use of outdoor learning and cross-curricular links. High expectations and ongoing assessment help teachers adapt teaching so all pupils progress, supported by CPD from the White Rose Science scheme and collaborative training in school. The scheme is deliberately adapted to focus on essential key vocabulary, provide many opportunities for practical enquiry and systematically develop children’s working scientifically skills.