INTENT

“Our science curriculum is designed to deliver high-quality lessons that inspire all pupils to explore and understand the world around them. We strive to create opportunities for every learner to question and challenge scientific concepts and theories, fostering deeper knowledge and critical thinking. Through investigative and evaluative experiences, we aim to embed core values such as responsibility and compassion, empowering pupils to make informed and thoughtful decisions.”

The 2014 national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils: •

· To develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

· Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.

· To equip children with the scientific skills required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future. We understand that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that the knowledge can be taught through this.

Implementation

St. Michael’s Church School delivers a science curriculum designed to develop pupils’ knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary for scientific enquiry and critical thinking. The curriculum promotes curiosity and encourages pupils to question, investigate, and evaluate scientific concepts and phenomena.

Progression is ensured across all key stages through systematic development of core knowledge and application of scientific skills. Working Scientifically is embedded throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to competently use scientific equipment, conduct investigations, analyse data, and articulate evidence-based conclusions. Teachers explicitly model these practices and provide structured opportunities for experiential learning, including outdoor activities and engagement with subject specialists.

Curriculum enrichment is achieved through carefully planned extra-curricular activities, educational visits, and guest speakers, all aligned with classroom learning objectives. Whole-school initiatives, such as Science Wow Days and participation in national events (e.g., Earth Day), extend learning beyond the classroom and foster community involvement. These experiences support pupils in understanding the relevance of science at personal, societal, and global levels.

Objectives

Early Years Foundation Stage

Science is delivered within Understanding the World, following the Early Years foundation stage framework. Activities such as investigating floating and sinking develop children’s understanding of the world. Cross-curricular links, including mathematics, are utilised to enhance scientific learning. Additional opportunities, such as the annual Science Week, provide further enrichment.

 

School Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to support and challenge all pupils, regardless of starting point. It aims to develop inquisitive, independent learners who apply scientific knowledge through

systematic observation, precise measurement, and critical evaluation. Science may be taught as part of a broader topic or discretely, depending on the most effective approach for pupil learning. Planning is collaborative, ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum that prioritises excellence and enjoyment.

 

Key Stage Expectations

• · Key Stage 1: Focus on observing and experiencing phenomena, encouraging curiosity and use of scientific terminology during simple tests and research.
• · Lower Key Stage 2: Emphasis on broadening scientific understanding through exploration, discussion, and enquiry. Pupils draw conclusions, identify patterns, and conduct fair tests.
• · Upper Key Stage 2: Development of deeper understanding through systematic analysis of functions, relationships, and interactions. Pupils engage with abstract concepts and apply them to predict and explain phenomena.

 

Assessment

Assessment informs teaching and supports progression through:

• · Pupil discussions
• · Observations
• · Work scrutiny
• · Half-termly assessments

Learning is recorded in science books and marked in accordance with the school’s policy.

 

Monitoring and Evaluation

Science is taught weekly (Years 1–6) and integrated into other subjects where appropriate. Resources are centrally stored. The subject leader monitors provision through:

• · Work scrutiny
• · Lesson observations
• · Planning reviews

 

Cross-Curricular Links

Science teaching incorporates:

• · English: Reading, writing, and oral communication
• · Mathematics: Measurement, data handling, estimation, and analysis
• · PSHE: Health and safety education
• · Computing: Data logging, simulations, and research
• · SMSC: Outdoor learning, community engagement, and reflection on scientific contributions

 

Inclusion

Provision is made for all pupils, regardless of gender, ability, background, or need. Science is taught in a global and historical context, recognising contributions from diverse cultures and promoting constructive dialogue.

 

Health and Safety

Teachers assess risks and ensure safe practice in all science activities. CLEAPSS guidance is followed, and risk assessments are completed for all relevant activities and visits.

 

Impact

The science curriculum is designed to demonstrate progression and secure pupil achievement. Impact is measured through:

• · Standards achieved against planned outcomes
• · Retention of key knowledge
• · Pupil engagement and enthusiasm for science