The important thing is to never stop asking questions (Albert Einstein)

 

Intent

At Burton Pidsea Primary School, we aim to provide a high-quality science curriculum that equips children with the knowledge and skills to understand the world in which they live. We strive to inspire curiosity, excitement and a desire to explore scientific ideas, encouraging pupils to ask questions and seek answers about the world around them.

Our intention is for children to develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts and processes, enabling them to explain natural phenomena, make predictions and analyse outcomes. Through practical enquiry and investigation, pupils learn how science helps us to understand change, solve problems and improve lives.

We want children to recognise the importance of science in shaping the modern world and to see themselves as capable scientists who can contribute positively to their community and beyond.

Implementation

At our school, we nurture children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. We encourage pupils to ask questions, make careful observations and develop a sense of wonder about scientific ideas and processes. Science lessons are practical and engaging, giving children regular opportunities to investigate, explore and discover before drawing conclusions.

Science is taught as a discrete subject using the Kapow Primary mixed-age planning, which ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum and clear progression of knowledge and skills across year groups. The mixed-age structure supports children in building on what they already know while introducing new concepts and vocabulary in a carefully sequenced way.

Working scientifically is at the heart of our teaching. Children learn how to plan and carry out investigations, use equipment safely and accurately, gather and record data, and interpret their results. Key scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and modelled to help children explain their thinking clearly and confidently.

Although science is not taught through a cross-curricular approach, we make meaningful links to other subjects wherever appropriate. Children apply their mathematical skills when measuring and analysing data, and use their English skills to write explanations, reports and evaluations.

We also help children understand how science has changed our lives over time. By learning about important scientific discoveries and influential scientists, pupils begin to appreciate how science continues to shape our world locally, nationally and globally — often improving lives, while also carrying important responsibilities.

 

Impact

As a result of our science curriculum, children develop a genuine sense of awe and curiosity about the world around them. They understand the role science plays in everyday life and recognise their part as both local and global citizens in an ever-changing world.

Through the Kapow Primary mixed-age planning, pupils gain secure scientific knowledge, a clear understanding of key concepts and the skills needed to work scientifically. They build on prior learning and demonstrate a clear progression of knowledge and skills as they move through the school.

Children are able to ask thoughtful questions, carry out investigations with increasing independence, and interpret and communicate their findings effectively. They confidently use appropriate scientific vocabulary to explain their ideas, reasoning and conclusions.

Assessment summaries are used to monitor coverage, identify strengths and inform next steps in learning. This ensures that all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately, and that progression across year groups is clear and consistent.

By the time they leave our school, children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to continue their scientific learning at the next stage of their education.

Science Long Term Plan and Progression of Skills

[pdf 350KB]