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Evolution and inheritance

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Unit Summary

This unit introduces the children to the key concepts of evolution and inheritance by building upon previous topics, including animal characteristics and fossils. The children will learn about inherited traits and apply their knowledge to various animals and plants, before being introduced to the work of Mary Anning and Charles Darwin. Through the presentations and tasks, the children will learn about the fascinating history of the human race and discover links between extinct animals and those which are still living today. 

Developing Experts works closely with industry with the goal of ensuring that career choice is no longer left to chance and we are committed to connecting talent to local opportunity. The Gatsby Benchmarks, therefore, permeate our curriculum and careers library.

This unit has been written by

Clare Faulkner

Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!

In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!

Katie Barrie


Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts. 

In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.  

Contact: [email protected]  

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Enquiry Approach - Problem-solving

Applying prior scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer further questions.

Enquiry Skill - Interpreting and communicating results

Using information, results and data to present findings, including oral and written explanations.

Enquiry Approach - Research

Using information from a variety of sources to answer scientific questions.

Enquiry Skill - Interpreting and communicating results

Using information, results and data to present findings, including oral and written explanations.

Enquiry Approach - Research

Using information from a variety of sources to answer scientific questions.

Enquiry Skill - Asking questions

Asking relevant questions that can be answered from their learning of scientific concepts. This may be through scientific enquiries, applying prior knowledge or research.

Enquiry Approach - Problem-solving

Applying prior scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer further questions.

Enquiry Skill - Observing and measuring

Using the senses and taking measurements, using a range of equipment, to make observations about a scientific enquiry.

Enquiry Approach - Problem-solving

Applying prior scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer further questions.

Enquiry Skill - Interpreting and communicating results

Using information, results and data to present findings, including oral and written explanations.

Enquiry Approach - Problem-solving

Applying prior scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer further questions.

Enquiry Skill - Interpreting and communicating results

Using information, results and data to present findings, including oral and written explanations.