Long-term overview - Evolution and Inheritance - Year 6

The Year 6 science curriculum provides a comprehensive exploration into the concepts of evolution and inheritance. Pupils delve into the transformative journey of living things over time, understanding the significance of fossils in painting a picture of Earth's ancient inhabitants. The curriculum emphasises the importance of recognising that offspring are similar to their parents yet exhibit variations, an essential principle of biological inheritance. Furthermore, students investigate how plants and animals have adapted to their environments in myriad ways, and how these adaptations can contribute to the process of evolution.

Key to this educational journey is the acquisition of substantive knowledge, where pupils learn about the dynamic history of Earth and its life forms, the informative role of fossils, and the nuances of reproduction and offspring variability. They are also introduced to the concept of natural selection, linking adaptation to the broader theory of evolution. Additionally, the curriculum includes a focus on the work of Charles Darwin, encouraging students to research his contributions to science while also acknowledging the controversies surrounding his theories. Practical activities such as comparing animal skulls and body parts foster an understanding of evolutionary patterns. This unit stands alone but also connects with topics from earlier years, creating a cohesive learning experience in the field of biology.