Long-term overview - Light - Year 6

The Year 6 science curriculum offers an in-depth exploration into the nature of light and how it enables us to see the world around us. Students will delve into the fundamental question of how our eyes help us to perceive objects by understanding the mechanics of light travel. They will investigate the properties of light, learning that it travels in straight lines and exploring the evidence that supports this concept. Additionally, the curriculum covers the intricate workings of the human eye, explaining the process by which light is transformed into visual information.

Working scientifically, pupils will gain knowledge of how light interacts with objects to create shadows that mimic the shape of the objects casting them. They will also discover how simple optical instruments, such as periscopes, telescopes, and magnifying glasses, manipulate light to enhance our vision. Through grouping and classifying activities, children will categorise materials based on their transparency. They will seek patterns by comparing the relationship between the distance from a light source and the resulting shadow. Hands-on experimentation will be encouraged to demonstrate that light travels in straight lines. Furthermore, the curriculum addresses the concepts of concave and convex mirrors and their effects on light. This study of light is not only a continuation of the knowledge gained in Year 3 but also ties in with biology, particularly the structure and function of the human eye.