email: info@westhill.wandsworth.sch.uk
Hello, I’m Jane Atkin and I’m the KS2 lead, as well as the coordinator for Science, Music and PSHE.
I have taught at West Hill for almost 30 years, it’s my second home!
When I’m not at school I like to relax by visiting art galleries and going to the theatre. I also read a lot and am in a book club. I collect 50ps. I love going to hear live music.
Science at Foundation Stage is introduced by taking part in activities that encourage children to explore, problem solve, observe, predict, think, make decisions and talk about the world around them. It’s called ‘knowledge and understanding of the world’.
This early stage of science learning also helps children with skills in other Foundation Stage areas of the national curriculum, such as physical development and creative development.
Children explore creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environments. They observe and manipulate objects and materials to identify differences and similarities. For example, they may look at an egg whisk, sand, paper and water to learn about things that are natural and manmade and their different functions. Children also learn to use their senses, feeling dough or listening to sounds in the environment, such as sirens or farm animals.
Your child will be encouraged to ask questions about why things happen and how things work. They might do activities such as increasing the incline of a slope to observe how fast a vehicle travels, or opening a mechanical toy to see how it works. Your child will also be asked questions about what they think will happen to help them communicate, plan, investigate, record and evaluate findings.
Awareness of space may be taught by encouraging children to make big and small movements to music and to think about how much space they need. They will also learn to recognise changes that happen to the body when they are active.
Children will also learn about the importance of keeping healthy and the things that contribute to this by, for example, cooking or identifying fruit and vegetables.
Children explore and respond to a variety of sensory experiences through music and art. Children might collect materials, such as rough sandpaper, soft fabric and shiny bottle tops to build a sensory wall. They explore colour, texture, shape, form and space by mixing colours, painting, modelling and dancing.
They also learn about sounds – how they can be changed and how to imitate sounds they hear.
In Key Stage 1 your child will learn to use the following methods, processes and skills:
In Key Stage 2 your child will learn to use the following methods, processes and skills:
In Year 3 and 4, children will be encouraged to ask questions about scientific concepts and then carry out experiments to find out the answers. In doing this they will:
In Year 5 and 6, children will continue to practise the above skills, but with more depth and precision. When carrying out experiments they will:
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Animals including humans | Seasonal changes - plants and mini topic | Everyday materials | Seasonal changes - plants and mini topic | Plants | Seasonal changes |
| Year 2 | Animals including humans | Plants mini topic - growing | Use of everyday materials | Plants mini topic - growing | Living things and their habitats | Plants mini topic - growing |
| Year 3 | Rocks - fossils | Light - shadows | Forces and magnets | Skeletons | Plants - pollination and life cycle | |
| Year 4 | Electricity | Sound | Teeth and digestive system | States of matter | Living things and their habitats | Living things and their habitats |
| Year 5 | Earth and Space | Properties and changes of materials | Forces | Life cycles | Puberty | |
| Year 6 | Light | Electricity | Classification | Micro-organisms | The circulatory system | Evolution and inheritance |
PSHE prepares children physically, emotionally, socially, mentally and intellectually for the future.
This involves:- friendships, relationships, money, family, health, school and how to cope with stresses and anxieties.
Learning opportunities take place in specific lessons as well as in assemblies, circle time, special school projects and other activities that enrich pupils' experiences.
The programme of study includes three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. These three themes run throughout the scheme of work for each class.
PSHE prepares children physically, emotionally, socially, mentally and intellectually for the future.
This involves:- friendships, relationships, money, family, health, school and how to cope with stresses and anxieties.
Learning opportunities take place in specific lessons as well as in assemblies, circle time, special school projects and other activities that enrich pupils' experiences.
The programme of study includes three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. These three themes run throughout the scheme of work for each class.
Assemblies, drama performances and concerts provide the children opportunities to demonstrate their musical skills in school and at venues such as the Royal Festival Hall. West Hill works with the support of Wandsworth Music Services across the school. Year 1 and Year 5 participate in the Singing Project, Year 3 and Year 4 participate in instrumental lessons, learning the recorder and trumpet, with termly performances to their families. Rock Steady Music School visit the school weekly to offer extra-curricular rock music lessons providing children the experience of playing music in a band.
