Science

INTENT

At Smallthorne Primary Academy, Science enables pupils to develop a deep curiosity and understanding of the world around them. Our Science curriculum encourages children to ask questions, investigate ideas and develop a secure understanding of scientific concepts through exploration and enquiry.

We believe that science plays a vital role in helping pupils understand how the natural world works and how scientific discoveries have shaped modern life. Through carefully planned learning, pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to think and work like scientists.

Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum for Science and ensures that pupils develop secure knowledge across the three key scientific disciplines:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

Alongside this knowledge, pupils develop the disciplinary skills of working scientifically, including questioning, observing, testing, analysing and evaluating.

Our Science curriculum ensures pupils:

• develop secure knowledge of key scientific concepts and processes
• understand how scientific knowledge has developed over time
• build a broad and accurate scientific vocabulary
• learn to plan and carry out investigations
• develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• understand how science influences everyday life and the wider world

Science at Smallthorne is rooted within our Character & Arts curriculum and High Quality and Inclusive Education framework, helping pupils develop curiosity, perseverance, teamwork and reflection.

We aim for every child to see themselves as a scientist — confident, curious and capable of exploring the world around them.

Character & Arts Alignment

Science contributes meaningfully to the Smallthorne Character & Arts curriculum, supporting pupils’ intellectual curiosity and understanding of the natural world.

Science contributes to the Character & Arts strands by enabling pupils to:

• Heritage – understand how scientific discoveries have shaped human history and innovation
• History – explore the contributions of significant scientists and inventors
• Performing & Expressive Arts – communicate scientific ideas creatively through models, diagrams and presentations
• Sustainability – develop awareness of environmental responsibility and the impact of human activity on the planet
• Enterprise – develop problem-solving, investigation and innovation skills that support future careers in science and technology

Through science learning, pupils develop respect for the natural world and an appreciation of the role science plays in improving lives.

IMPLEMENTATION

Science is taught through a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring pupils build knowledge and skills over time.

Learning is structured so pupils develop both scientific knowledge and the skills of working scientifically.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum ensures coverage of the key scientific disciplines:

Biology
• plants and animals
• living things and their habitats
• the human body and life cycles
• evolution and inheritance

Chemistry
• materials and their properties
• changes of state
• reversible and irreversible changes

Physics
• forces and motion
• light and sound
• electricity
• Earth and space

Concepts are revisited across year groups to strengthen understanding and support long-term memory.

Working Scientifically

Scientific enquiry is central to teaching and learning in science.

Pupils develop the ability to:

• ask scientific questions
• make predictions
• plan investigations
• observe and measure carefully
• record results and data
• draw conclusions based on evidence
• evaluate investigations and suggest improvements

These skills are developed progressively throughout the school.

Teaching Approach

Science lessons are designed to be engaging, practical and enquiry-based.

Teaching includes:

• hands-on investigations and practical exploration
• structured questioning to develop scientific thinking
• opportunities for discussion and reflection
• use of scientific vocabulary and accurate terminology

Teachers ensure pupils build secure understanding before moving on to more complex ideas.

Cross-Curricular Learning

Science learning is enriched through links with other subjects.

Examples include:

• Mathematics – measuring, recording and analysing scientific data
• English – writing explanations, reports and conclusions
• Geography – exploring environmental systems and sustainability
• Design and Technology – applying scientific knowledge to design challenges

These connections help pupils apply scientific knowledge in meaningful contexts.

Inclusion and Adaptive Teaching

Science lessons are designed so all pupils can access learning and achieve success.

Teachers support pupils through:

• visual models and diagrams
• practical exploration and demonstrations
• scaffolded questioning
• collaborative investigation tasks

These strategies ensure pupils with SEND, EAL or additional needs can participate fully in scientific learning.

Assessment and Monitoring

Assessment in science is ongoing and informs teaching.

Teachers use:

• questioning and discussion
• observation of investigations
• assessment of scientific vocabulary and understanding
• recorded outcomes in science work

Subject leaders monitor the curriculum through work scrutiny, pupil voice and lesson observation, ensuring progression and consistency across the school.

IMPACT

By the time pupils leave Smallthorne Primary Academy, they will:

• demonstrate secure knowledge of key scientific concepts
• understand how science explains the world around them
• plan and carry out investigations using scientific methods
• use scientific vocabulary accurately when explaining ideas
• apply scientific knowledge to real-world situations
• show curiosity, resilience and confidence when exploring scientific ideas

Measuring Impact

The impact of the science curriculum is evaluated through:

• pupil progress in scientific knowledge and understanding
• evidence of working scientifically within investigations
• curriculum monitoring and book scrutiny
• pupil voice demonstrating curiosity and engagement
• outcomes showing secure understanding of scientific concepts

Through this approach, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and curiosity needed to explore the natural world and engage with scientific ideas confidently.

Science at Smallthorne Primary Academy enables pupils to Smile, Strive and Shine as young scientists, prepared for the next stage of their education and the challenges of the modern world.

Science

Science: Intent, Implementation and Impact

Intent

At Smallthorne Primary Academy, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. Our Science curriculum aims to foster a lifelong love and passion for the subject, inspiring curiosity about the world around us.

We want our children to understand the world through scientific exploration and enquiry. To achieve this, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it deserves within our curriculum.

Our curriculum enables children to become enquiry-based learners who collaborate through researching, investigating, and evaluating experiences. We aim to develop a broad scientific vocabulary, teaching and revisiting key terminology as topics are explored across year groups and key stages.

We deliver a carefully planned and progressive curriculum that builds knowledge year by year and covers the three scientific disciplines of Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Our curriculum encourages respect for living organisms and the physical environment, preparing pupils for an ever-changing modern world.

Science at Smallthorne is rooted in our Character and Arts Curriculum and the High Quality and Inclusive Education Framework, developing not only scientific understanding but also the character traits of curiosity, perseverance, teamwork, and reflection. We want every child to see themselves as a scientist — confident, creative, and responsible in exploring the world around them.

Our children learn through exploration, enthusiasm, and excitement. They are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and become practical, hands-on learners.

Implementation

Our long-term Science curriculum aims to create a positive attitude towards the subject and reinforce the belief that all children are capable of achieving high standards in Science.

Science is delivered through a carefully planned, progressive curriculum from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Curriculum coverage is monitored by the Science Lead to ensure that all teachers are aware of prior learning and the next steps in pupils’ progression.

Lessons are structured weekly to allow for deep exploration of topics, with a strong emphasis on embedding Character of Arts, Sustainability, and Enterprise Science skills. Children are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, work collaboratively, and reflect on their discoveries — developing resilience and confidence through hands-on enquiry.

Enquiry-based learning is at the heart of our approach, encouraging pupils to question, predict, and conduct investigations through practical work. Cross-curricular links strengthen understanding by integrating Mathematics for data handling and English for scientific explanation and report writing. Where applicable, Science learning is connected to current Character and Arts topics, making it more relevant and meaningful.

Inclusivity is central to implementation. Lessons are adapted so that every learner, including those with SEND and EAL, can access the curriculum through visual supports, practical exploration, and scaffolded questioning. Teachers use a range of strategies to ensure equitable participation and challenge for all pupils.

Assessment is embedded throughout our Science curriculum. Teachers use formative assessment strategies such as questioning, observations, and practical evaluations, alongside summative assessments carried out against the Character of Arts, Sustainability, and Enterprise Science skills. Regular work scrutiny and pupil voice activities ensure progression, engagement, and consistency across the school.

Impact

At Smallthorne Primary Academy, we believe that Science is for everyone. We want our children to develop their science capital and grow into the scientists of the future.

Our approach to Science teaching ensures that learning is fun, engaging, and high-quality, providing children with strong foundations for understanding the world — foundations they will carry with them beyond primary education.

Through Science, our pupils develop:

Curiosity and Perseverance – asking questions, exploring ideas, and continuing to seek answers even when challenges arise.
Teamwork and Collaboration – working together respectfully to plan and conduct investigations, share findings, and build confidence.
Reflection and Responsibility – considering the impact of scientific discoveries on society and the environment.

The impact of our Science curriculum is measured through:

The majority of pupils achieving age-related expectations in Science by the end of each year.
Children who can think independently and raise questions about scientific processes.
Pupils who draw on prior knowledge, linking learning across topics and disciplines.
Confident and competent young scientists who can plan and carry out investigations effectively.
High-quality work in topic books and across the curriculum, demonstrating secure understanding and accurate use of vocabulary.
Pupils who care about the natural world, applying their learning to real-life contexts with empathy and respect.

Science

Science

INTENT

Character & Arts Alignment

IMPLEMENTATION

Curriculum Structure

Working Scientifically

Teaching Approach

Cross-Curricular Learning

Inclusion and Adaptive Teaching

Assessment and Monitoring

IMPACT

Measuring Impact

Science

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