Intent

At Lent Rise School, we aim to develop curious, confident pupils who ask questions about the world around them and use scientific knowledge and evidence to explore possible answers.

Our science curriculum develops secure and connected knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics alongside an understanding of how science works. Across the school, pupils learn to observe, compare, classify and investigate. As they progress, they learn to measure, test, research, interpret evidence and communicate their findings with increasing precision.

We want every pupil to recognise the importance of science in everyday life, the natural world and future careers. Our curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, enabling all pupils, including those with SEND, to participate meaningfully and experience success as scientists.

Implementation

Science-related learning begins in Nursery and Reception through Understanding the World. Half-termly topics and key questions provide a clear sequence for developing children’s early knowledge of themselves and their bodies, the senses, health, animals, habitats, plants, seasonal change, growth, life cycles and the natural environment.

Children develop this understanding through purposeful play, first-hand experiences, stories, discussion, observation, outdoor exploration and carefully planned adult-led activities. They are encouraged to notice change, ask questions, make comparisons and communicate what they have discovered through talk, drawing and other age-appropriate forms of recording.

From Year 1 to Year 6, science is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge and understanding over time. Our EYFS progression documents and Primary Science Progression Map work together to show what is taught and when from Nursery to Year 6.

The Science Progression Map identifies how substantive scientific knowledge develops across the school. Working Scientifically is taught through this subject knowledge rather than as a separate collection of activities.

Pupils experience the five principal types of scientific enquiry:

• observing over time;

• pattern seeking;

• identifying, classifying and grouping;

• comparative and fair testing;

• research using secondary sources.

Teachers select enquiries and practical experiences because they help pupils answer worthwhile questions and understand the scientific content being taught. Prior knowledge is revisited, vocabulary is taught explicitly and pupils are given opportunities to explain their thinking through purposeful scientific talk.

Teachers use observation, questioning, discussion, practical outcomes and written work, where appropriate, to check understanding and respond to pupils’ needs. Suitable scaffolding, visual support, equipment and carefully chosen vocabulary enable pupils with SEND to access the same ambitious curriculum.

Classroom learning is enriched through the school grounds, outdoor learning, visiting specialists, educational visits, STEM opportunities and whole-school events such as British Science Week.

Impact

From Nursery onwards, pupils become increasingly confident in noticing and describing the world around them, asking questions, using scientific vocabulary and communicating their observations and ideas.

As pupils progress through the school, they become increasingly able to remember and connect important scientific knowledge, make careful observations, select appropriate enquiry approaches, use equipment accurately, record and present findings, identify patterns, draw evidence-based conclusions and evaluate the quality of their results.

We evaluate the impact of the curriculum through classroom assessment, pupil voice, reviews of written and practical learning, learning walks and professional discussion with teachers. This helps us identify strengths, address gaps and refine future teaching.

By the end of Year 6, pupils should leave Lent Rise School with secure foundations for secondary science, confidence in their ability to investigate questions and an understanding of how science influences their lives, their environment and the wider world.

Science curriculum and progression

The following documents set out the sequence of learning and progression from Nursery to Year 6: