Science
Lead Teacher: Mrs A Taylor
Rationale
At Alkrington Primary School, our Science curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity, develop critical thinking and foster a sense of wonder about the natural world. We want our pupils to ask questions, think deeply and understand how scientific knowledge helps us to make sense of the world.
Our curriculum is delivered through the Developing Experts scheme, which provides a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich programme fully aligned with the National Curriculum. The scheme ensures clear progression in substantive knowledge (scientific facts, concepts and vocabulary) and disciplinary knowledge (working scientifically) from Year 1 through to Year 6.
Developing Experts places expert knowledge at the heart of learning. Each unit is structured around clearly defined scientific concepts, carefully sequenced lessons and meaningful retrieval opportunities to strengthen long-term memory. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught, revisited and applied so that pupils develop confidence in using precise language to explain their understanding.
Science is taught weekly to provide consistent opportunity for enquiry, practical application and retrieval. Lessons combine direct instruction, discussion, questioning and hands-on investigation, ensuring that pupils not only acquire knowledge but understand how it has been established through scientific enquiry.
Through our approach, children develop excitement and respect for Science as a discipline that shapes society and drives innovation. We aim to foster confident, inquisitive learners who see themselves as scientists — equipped with the knowledge and skills to question, investigate and contribute to an ever-changing world.
Intent
The intent of our Science curriculum is to provide all pupils with a coherent understanding of biology, chemistry and physics, while developing the skills required to think and work scientifically.
Learning is sequenced into clearly defined units with explicit end points. Each unit builds logically on prior learning, ensuring that pupils strengthen and connect knowledge over time. Retrieval activities are embedded to support retention and address misconceptions.
By the end of KS2, our pupils will:
- Have secure knowledge of key scientific concepts across biology, chemistry and physics
- Use accurate scientific vocabulary to explain processes and phenomena
- Plan and carry out investigations, selecting appropriate methods and equipment
- Analyse results, draw conclusions and evaluate reliability
- Understand how scientific knowledge has developed over time and continues to impact the modern world
Working scientifically is explicitly woven through all units. Pupils learn to observe closely, ask questions, set up fair tests, take measurements, record data, interpret findings and draw conclusions. These skills are mapped progressively across year groups.
The curriculum also introduces pupils to significant scientists linked to each topic. These studies broaden cultural capital and demonstrate that science is a collaborative, evolving human endeavour shaped by individuals from diverse backgrounds and historical contexts.
Science supports wider curriculum development through:
- Reading – engagement with high-quality non-fiction and scientific texts.
- Writing – producing explanations, reports and conclusions.
- Mathematics – applying measurement, data handling and graphing skills.
- Digital literacy – using digital tools to research, record and present findings.
Educational visits and workshops further enrich our curriculum, giving pupils first-hand experience of science in action.
Implementation
The Developing Experts scheme provides our long- and medium-term structure, ensuring coherent sequencing and progression. Each unit identifies:
- Core substantive knowledge
- Key vocabulary
- Disciplinary skills
- Clear end points
Teachers use the scheme’s high-quality resources, including presentations, enquiry opportunities, retrieval activities and assessment materials, adapting where necessary to meet the needs of our pupils and local context.
Science is taught weekly to support spaced learning and regular retrieval. Lessons typically include:
- Retrieval practice linked to prior learning
- Explicit teaching of new knowledge and vocabulary
- Opportunities for discussion and reasoning
- Practical investigation or application
- Reflection and assessment
Assessment is ongoing. Teachers use questioning, low-stakes quizzes, discussion and feedback files to check understanding and address misconceptions. Subject leadership monitoring, pupil voice and work scrutiny ensure consistency, progression and impact across year groups.
Practical resources such as measuring equipment, magnifiers and data loggers support high-quality investigation. Outdoor learning remains integral to our provision, with Forest School and outdoor classroom opportunities enabling pupils to apply scientific concepts in real-world contexts.
Science is enriched beyond the classroom through:
- Eco Club, where pupils lead sustainability initiatives
- Science Club, working towards the nationally recognised CREST Awards
- Science Selfie competitions to celebrate curiosity at home
- Workshops from providers such as Mad Science
- A Science Gadget Shop promoting curiosity and engagement
Ongoing CPD and subject leadership support ensure staff have strong subject knowledge and confidence in delivery.
Inclusion
Our Science curriculum is designed to be accessible to all learners. The curriculum itself supports inclusion through clear explanations, visual resources and structured retrieval activities.
Teachers adapt teaching appropriately for pupils with SEND and those facing disadvantage through:
- Scaffolded tasks
- Targeted questioning
- Pre-teaching of vocabulary
- Practical, hands-on approaches
- Adapted recording methods
Vocabulary development is prioritised to ensure all pupils can articulate scientific ideas confidently. High expectations are maintained for every learner, with extension opportunities provided through deeper investigation and reasoning tasks.
Impact
The impact of our Science curriculum is that pupils know more, remember more and can apply their knowledge with confidence.
By the end of each phase:
- EYFS pupils observe and describe the natural world through structured exploration
- KS1 pupils classify, describe and explain simple processes using accurate vocabulary
- Lower KS2 pupils make predictions, conduct comparative and fair tests and draw conclusions from evidence
- Upper KS2 pupils apply scientific understanding to explain complex phenomena, evaluate reliability and justify conclusions
Assessment information, pupil voice and monitoring demonstrate that pupils retain key knowledge over time. Children speak confidently about scientific concepts, use precise vocabulary and approach investigations thoughtfully.
Pupils leave Alkrington Primary School with:
- A secure and well-connected body of scientific knowledge
- The ability to carry out and evaluate investigations independently
- Confidence in using scientific language and reasoning
- A lifelong curiosity and enthusiasm for scientific discovery
Through initiatives such as Forest School, Eco Club and the CREST Award, pupils see the relevance of Science beyond the classroom and understand their role in shaping a sustainable and innovative future.
Science Curriculum Map
Science Progression of Skills and Knowledge
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