Science at The Gattons is taught through the Learning Journeys and is designed to help children understand the world around them.  Through first hand investigations, they encounter new things and new ideas.  They learn different ways to solve problems.  Through focused questioning they are encouraged to bring their previous experience to bear on new situations.

We aim to develop the children’s curiosity and concern for the natural world.  We make good use of our own grounds, our local area and places further afield such as Plumpton Agricultural College and local Nature Reserves.

They acquire a range of intellectual and practical skills, through planning and carrying out investigations, and interpreting results.

In particular we aim to help the children develop the following attributes:
· enquiring minds
· strong observation skills
· respect for their environment
· the confidence to carry out simple investigations systematically
· the ability to record, interpret and communicate their findings through speech, drawings, writing, graphs and charts
· the ability to use reference material including the Internet (through a West Sussex filter).
 
The Gattons approach to Science is based upon the Programmes of Study set out in the National Curriculum
 
The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

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 knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

During Year 2, the children will:

• Work Scientifically
• Investigate living things and their habitats
• Investigate plants & animals, including humans
• Investigate the uses of everyday materials