Science
Our science curriculum is designed to develop pupils' scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding, as well as their skills in working scientifically. We aim to equip all pupils with the foundational scientific knowledge and methods they need to understand the world around them and prepare them for more advanced study in the future.
Our curriculum is sequenced to build knowledge and skills systematically over time, and has been developed using PLAN Primary Science Knowledge and Skills matrices. We start in the Early Years by introducing pupils to a wide range of scientific vocabulary and phenomena, laying the groundwork for more sophisticated concepts to be built upon later. As pupils progress, new knowledge is integrated into their existing frameworks, allowing them to operate at increasingly abstract levels.
Key features of our science curriculum include:
Coherent sequencing of substantive and disciplinary knowledge:
- Topics are taught in a logical order that reflects the hierarchical structure of the scientific disciplines, as outlined in the PLAN primary science resources.
- Pupils revisit and build on core concepts over time, rather than repeating the same content.
- Disciplinary knowledge (scientific enquiry skills) is learned within the most appropriate substantive contexts, supported by the PLAN matrices.
Emphasis on developing secure understanding:
- We prioritise depth of understanding over breadth of coverage, ensuring pupils have a firm grasp of key ideas before progressing.
- Misconceptions are proactively identified and addressed through targeted teaching.
- Technical vocabulary is explicitly taught and pupils are expected to use it accurately.
Opportunities for practical investigation:
- Pupils regularly engage in different types of scientific enquiry, including observing, pattern-seeking, classifying, comparative testing, and researching.
- They learn to collect, present and analyse data to answer scientific questions, using PLAN's guidance on working scientifically.
Relevance to pupils' lives:
- We use a range of engaging contexts that are meaningful and relevant to pupils' experiences.
- Pupils explore the social and economic implications of scientific developments by drawing on cross-curricular links, where appropriate.
By implementing this coherent and carefully sequenced science curriculum, supported by the high-quality PLAN primary science resources, we aim to foster pupils' curiosity, develop their scientific knowledge and skills, and prepare them to make sense of the world around them both now and in the future.