As part of our Science topic, Animals Including Humans: The Circulatory System, Year 6 enjoyed an exciting and memorable practical lesson to conclude their learning. To bring together everything they had discovered throughout the topic, the children had the opportunity to dissect a lamb's heart and explore first-hand the similarities between a lamb's heart and our own.

Throughout the unit, pupils developed their understanding of the circulatory system by investigating a range of important questions. They explored what blood is made of and why we need it, learned about nutrients and how they are transported around the body, and discovered how the circulatory system works. The children then focused on the heart itself, examining its role in keeping us alive and understanding why it is such a vital organ.

As young scientists, Year 6 also investigated the work of significant historical figures who shaped our understanding of the circulatory system. They learned about Galen's early theories and how William Harvey's discoveries revolutionised what we know about the movement of blood around the body. Finally, the children considered how we can keep our bodies healthy, including the importance of exercise, a balanced diet and making healthy lifestyle choices.

During the dissection, the children revisited their previous learning and successfully identified key structures within the heart. They were able to locate the atriums, ventricles, pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins, while discussing the important functions of each part. The opportunity to observe these structures in a real heart helped deepen their understanding and brought their classroom learning to life.

The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and demonstrated outstanding scientific curiosity throughout the lesson. They asked thoughtful questions, made careful observations and enthusiastically applied their knowledge. It was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of a successful Science topic and showcase the excellent learning that has taken place across Year 6.

We did this through our Curriculum Vision for Science: 

Be academic. Be curious. Be Practical.