'Across the curriculum, the school has focused on pupils learning technical vocabulary. This is to extend pupils understanding of language. As a result, pupils confidently use a range of vocabulary. For example, in science, germination and research can be heard.'

Ofsted October 2024

Science teaching at Wootey Infant School enables pupils to experience and observe phenomena, looking more closely at the natural and humanly-constructed world around them. The children are encouraged to be curious and creative by asking  questions about what they notice. They are helped to develop their understanding of scientific ideas by using different types of scientific enquiry to answer their own questions, including observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things, carrying out simple comparative tests, and finding things out using for example, books, photographs and videos. They begin to use simple scientific language to talk about what they have found out and communicate their ideas to a range of audiences in a variety of ways.

Most of the learning about science is done through the use of first-hand practical experiences using our fantastic grounds and local area and also through educational visits such as to Marwell Zoo and RHS Garden Wisley. We also invite animal visits to school such as Mill Cottage Farm and respectfully observe the hatching of chicks which always causes a wave of happiness throughout our school.

Children are also taught to read and spell scientific vocabulary at a level consistent with their increasing word reading and spelling knowledge.

Science Statement of Intent

In Early Years we have a Science aspiration that children will grow their own food and eat it.

In Key Stage One Wootey Scientists  will learn actively by observing changes over time, confidently ask questions,  have the curiosity to find things out for themselves, use scientific language, have first hand experiences, explore our grounds, know about similarities and differences, courageously take part in educational visits and enjoy visitors to our school.   

Implementation - Science Overview

Impact

When our children leave Wootey Infant School  they will have begun to think like scientists.

When our pupils transition to the next stage of their education, they will be Naturally Curious & Inquisitive.

Our children leave us with a solid foundation in Working Scientifically.

They will be able to:

• Predict what might happen in an experiment.
• Observe closely using simple equipment like magnifying glasses and digital scales.
• Record their findings clearly using tally charts, drawings, and basic tables.

They will have moved beyond "simple" descriptions to using a rich, technical vocabulary. Whether discussing why a material is absorbent or identifying a tree as evergreen, our pupils speak the language of science with confidence.

Through their study of habitats, plants, and animals, our children leave with a deep-seated respect for the natural world. They understand their role in protecting the environment and the importance of caring for all living things.

Science at our school teaches that "getting it wrong" is just the first step toward getting it right. Our leavers are resilient learners who can adapt their ideas, try new approaches, and celebrate the process of discovery.