Science

At Thomas Jones, all pupils are taught the key knowledge, methods and uses of science outlined in the National Curriculum 2014. We believe that it is vital that pupils leave for secondary school with both a detailed knowledge of the inter-related disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics and a strong understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, developed through practical activity.

At Thomas Jones, science is taught as a discrete subject from Year One to Year Six. The science curriculum is organised into units, five of which (six in Year 3) are allocated to each year group. Each unit is designed to develop knowledge of a specific area of scientific knowledge, along with a significant strand of practical science. The curriculum is designed to be spiral in nature, with pupils returning to areas of learning in greater depth as they move through the school.

The topics for each year group are outlined below:

 
Year 1

Growing Plants

Ourselves

Pushes and Pulls

Seeing and Hearing

Using Different Materials


Year 3

Light and Sound

Materials

Moving and Growing

Movement and Forces

Rocks

Teeth and Eating


Year 5

Earth and Space

Electrical Circuits

Evolution

Forces and Energy

Keeping Healthy

​Year 2

Changing Materials

Electricity

Growing Plants

Keeping Healthy

Living Things
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​Year 4

Conductors and Insulators

Friction

Living Things

Plant Life Cycles

Solids, Liquids and Gases




​Year 6

The science curriculum for Year Six is different. For the first two terms, pupils have an opportunity to return to the core knowledge of primary science, working through each area of knowledge to ensure they are equipped for the demands of secondary school. In the final term, pupils study some of the more complex concepts for students of their age, often taken from the KS3 curriculum.