Science in our Federation

🌍 Why Science Matters

Science is more than just a subject—it’s a way of thinking, exploring, and understanding the world. We believe every child is naturally curious, and our science curriculum is designed to nurture that curiosity and help it flourish.

From their very first steps in school, our pupils are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and think critically. Whether they’re wondering why shadows change shape, discovering how plants grow, or learning about the stars above us, children are guided to become confident, thoughtful learners who see science as both exciting and meaningful.

🧠 Building Knowledge & Enquiry Skills

As children move through the school, they explore a broad range of scientific ideas—from the human body and plant life to forces, materials, space, and beyond. Each unit is planned to revisit and build upon prior learning, helping children make connections between new ideas and what they already know.

We place a strong emphasis on investigative science. Children are taught to work like scientists—asking questions, testing hypotheses, recording observations, and drawing conclusions. They learn not only what we know about the world, but how we know it.

📚 A Carefully Planned Curriculum

Our teaching is built on a clear structure, grounded in the National Curriculum and supported by the PLAN documents. These resources help ensure science is taught progressively across all year groups—even within our mixed-age classes. Children revisit key concepts over time, building confidence and deepening their understanding as they move through the school.

In the Early Years, science is introduced through play, talk, and exploration. Teachers encourage children to use open-ended thinking with prompts like “I see…”, “I notice…”, and “I wonder…”. This gentle approach helps children begin to observe, question, and investigate—essential skills that continue to grow as they progress.

💬 The Importance of Language

Scientific vocabulary is an essential part of our curriculum. We ensure that key terms are introduced clearly, used consistently, and reinforced regularly. Vocabulary is displayed in classrooms alongside visual cues, helping children remember and use it in both their speaking and writing. This focus on language enables pupils to explain their ideas clearly and confidently using the correct terminology.

🤝 Inclusive for All Learners

Science in our schools is inclusive and accessible to all. Our lessons are thoughtfully planned to ensure that every child, including those with SEND, can fully participate and make progress. Support might include working with an adult, using adapted resources, or exploring different ways to record their learning—whatever it takes to help each child engage and succeed.

🚀 Bringing Science to Life

We enrich our science curriculum with exciting real-world experiences that make learning memorable. Every year, we host a Science Week, giving pupils the chance to dive deeper into how science shapes the world around us. They meet real scientists, take part in fun investigations, and even explore science-based careers.

Highlights have included visits from a mobile planetarium, hands-on workshops, and inspiring talks from people working in scientific fields. These experiences are designed to spark imagination, raise aspirations, and show children just how wide and wonderful the world of science can be.

📊 Measuring Impact

We use a variety of assessment tools to track children’s progress, including teacher observations, discussions, written work, and end-of-unit reflections. Progress is monitored termly, and the subject leader carries out book looks, learning walks, and pupil voice activities to ensure high standards and consistency across the school.

Our aim is for every child to leave our Federation as a confident, articulate scientific thinker—equipped with the knowledge, curiosity, and critical thinking skills they need for secondary school and beyond.