Science

Science at our school is all about exploring the world with curiosity and excitement. Children learn by asking questions, investigating ideas, and discovering how things work. Through hands-on experiments, outdoor learning, and fun activities, pupils develop important skills such as observing, predicting, and problem-solving. We encourage children to think like young scientists as they explore topics such as plants, animals, materials, forces, and space. Our aim is to inspire a lifelong interest in the natural world and help every child grow in confidence as they learn to understand the science in their everyday lives.

Subject Leader - Iain Pearson

Curriculum Intent

At our school, we recognise Science as a core subject that develops pupils’ curiosity about the world and equips them with the knowledge and skills to think and work scientifically. Our Science curriculum is ambitious, knowledge-rich and inclusive, enabling all pupils to develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts and the ability to investigate and explain the world around them.

Our intent is that pupils:

• Develop secure substantive knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics as set out in the National Curriculum

• Build strong disciplinary knowledge through working scientifically: observing, questioning, predicting, testing, recording and concluding

• Use precise scientific vocabulary to explain their understanding

• Understand how scientific knowledge has developed over time and the role of significant scientists from diverse backgrounds

• Develop curiosity, resilience and critical thinking through practical enquiry

• Recognise the relevance of science in everyday life and future careers

We use the Kapow Primary Science scheme to ensure the curriculum is carefully sequenced and progressive from EYFS to Year 6, enabling pupils to build knowledge and enquiry skills over time in preparation for Key Stage 3.

Curriculum Implementation

Science is taught throughout the week by the class teacher using the Kapow scheme, ensuring regular opportunities for enquiry, discussion and consolidation of learning.

Lessons are structured to:

• Revisit prior learning and address misconceptions

• Explicitly teach new scientific knowledge and vocabulary

• Provide frequent opportunities for practical enquiry and investigation

• Teach pupils how to plan, carry out and evaluate scientific enquiries

• Develop accurate recording methods including diagrams, tables and written conclusions

• Embed working scientifically within each unit of learning

• Make meaningful cross-curricular links whilst maintaining Science as a distinct discipline

Kapow units ensure that pupils learn not only scientific facts but how scientists work.

Inclusion and SEND

Science is accessible to all pupils through:

• Practical, hands-on investigations

• Visual aids, diagrams and modelling

• Scaffolded recording methods

• Structured talk and discussion to support understanding

• Adapted resources and adult support where needed

• Opportunities for collaborative learning

This ensures that all pupils, including those with SEND, can fully participate and succeed in scientific learning.

 

Assessment, Monitoring and Impact

Assessment in Science is ongoing, formative and directly linked to the Kapow curriculum.

Teachers assess pupils through:

• Observation during investigations and discussions

• Questioning and pupils’ use of scientific vocabulary

• Recorded work in books including diagrams, results and conclusions

• Pupils’ ability to explain their thinking and apply prior knowledge

Kapow assessment materials support teacher judgement at the end of units. Assessment outcomes are recorded on Bromcom, providing leaders and parents with a clear overview of pupil progress in Science.

How we know the curriculum is taught as intended

Leaders monitor the implementation of the Science curriculum through:

• Book scrutiny to see progression in knowledge and enquiry skills

• Lesson visits and discussions with pupils

• Review of Kapow unit coverage across year groups

• Monitoring of assessment information recorded on Bromcom

• Pupil voice to evaluate what pupils remember and understand over time

This ensures the taught curriculum matches the planned curriculum.

Curriculum Impact

The impact of our Science curriculum

As a result of our Science provision, pupils:

• Develop secure scientific knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics

• Use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently

• Demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm for investigation

• Apply enquiry skills independently and thoughtfully

• Show clear progression in their ability to plan, carry out and evaluate investigations

• Understand the relevance of science to the wider world

Assessment in Science ensures that pupils know more, remember more and can do more over time.

Pupils leave our school with the knowledge, skills and curiosity required for successful learning in Science at Key Stage 3 and beyond.

Overview of Learning.