Our Curriculum – Science

This table details what will be taught and when, though since children develop at different speeds, some will be more proficient than others against these YEAR-END expectations for learning in Science.                                                                  Back to our Curriculum Wheel –>

Working Scientifically Living Things Materials Physical Processes
By the END OF YEAR 2 By the END OF YEAR 2 By the END OF YEAR 2 By the END OF YEAR 2
Y1.1 Use different approaches to answer scientific questions Y1.5 Name the main parts of the body, including those related to the 5 senses Y1.6 Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made Y1.7 Describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials
Y1.2 Carry out simple tests Y1.4 Name the main parts of plants and trees Y2.8 Describe different uses of materials according to their properties Y1.8 Describe how the weather varies with the season
Y1.3 Organise objects or materials into groups Y2.4 Describe how some plants and animals are suited to different habitats    
Y2.1 Use simple equipment for observations Y2.5 Describe how animals obtain food by eating plants or other animals    
Y2.2 Link ideas and answers to observations Y2.6 Describe the basic needs for plant growth (light, water, appropriate temperature)    
Y2.3 Collect information to help to answer scientific questions Y2.7 Describe the basic needs of humans and other animals (water, food, air)    
Working Scientifically Living Things Materials Physical Processes
By the END OF YEAR 4 By the END OF YEAR 4 By the END OF YEAR 4 By the END OF YEAR 4
Y3.1 Set up simple fair tests Y3.4 Describe the main requirements for plant growth (air, light, water, nutrients from soil, and room to grow) Y3.7 Identify the three main rock types and describe their properties Y3.8 Notice that light is reflected from surfaces
Y3.2 Collect and present data from scientific experiments Y3.5 Explain the main stages of plant reproduction (pollination, fertilisation, seed dispersal) Y4.7 Compare and group materials together, according to whether they are solids, liquids or gases Y3.9 Find patterns in the way that the sizes of shadows change
Y3.3 Use results from experiments to draw simple conclusions or suggest improvements Y3.6 Explain some functions of skeletons and muscles in animals Y4.8 Explain the main stages of the water cycle Y3.10 Group materials according to their magnetic properties
Y4.1 Take accurate measurements using a range of scientific apparatus Y4.4 Use a classification key to identify plants or animals   Y4.9 Recognise that vibrations from sounds travel through a medium to the ear
Y4.2 Present findings using tables, graphs and charts as appropriate Y4.5 Describe the simple functions of the basic parts of the digestive system in humans   Y4.10 Construct a simple series electrical circuit, identifying and naming its basic parts
Y4.3 Use straightforward evidence in support of ideas Y4.6 Construct and interpret a variety of food chains, identifying producers, predators and prey.    
Working Scientifically Living Things Materials Physical Processes
By the END OF YEAR 6 By the END OF YEAR 6 By the END OF YEAR 6 By the END OF YEAR 6
Y5.1 Plan scientific investigations, including controlling variables where appropriate Y5.4 Describe the life process of reproduction in some plants and animals. Y5.5 Explain how mixtures can be separated through filtering, sieving and evaporating Y5.7 Describe the movement of the Earth, and other planets, relative to the Sun
Y5.2 Record data using diagrams, keys, tables and a range of graphs Y6.4 Classify some plants, animals or micro-organisms, explaining the choices made Y5.6 Explain that some irreversible changes form new materials Y5.8 Explain day and night on earth, and the apparent movement of the Sun
Y5.3 Report conclusions and explanations from scientific investigations Y6.5 Explain the main parts and functions of the human circulatory system, including heart and blood vessels   Y5.9 Explain that gravity causes unsupported objects to fall towards the Earth
Y6.1 Use test results to design further investigations Y6.6 Recognise that living things produce offspring which are not usually identical to their parents   Y5.10 Identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction between moving surfaces
Y6.2 Using simple models to describe scientific ideas Y6.7 Identify how adaptation of plants and animals over time may lead to evolution   Y6.8 Explain that we see things which either give out or reflect light
Y6.3 Identifying scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments     Y6.9 Explain how the number of voltage of cells affects bulbs, buzzers or motors in a circuit
      Y6.10 Use recognised symbols when representing a simple circuit in a diagram