In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in science, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school.

Planning for science is a process in which all teachers are involved to ensure that the school gives full coverage of, ‘The National Curriculum and ‘Understanding of the World’ in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Science teaching at Broadlands Primary School involves adapting and extending the curriculum to match all pupils’ needs.

Science is taught as part of our Curriculum Maestro topics, enabling meaningful links with other areas of learning while maintaining strong scientific integrity. Each topic builds on prior knowledge, ensuring that concepts are revisited and deepened over time. Lessons include practical investigations, enquiry-based learning and opportunities for pupils to develop the skills of observing, classifying, predicting, measuring, and drawing conclusions.

Teachers plan using the Curriculum Maestro framework to ensure a clear sequence of learning and progression of both knowledge and working scientifically skills. Our curriculum also encourages the use of outdoor learning, local contexts and real-world examples to bring science to life. Key vocabulary and scientific language are explicitly taught and revisited, supporting pupils in communicating their ideas effectively.

Due to pure and mixed classes, our science curriculum is on a rolling cycle. We are currently on Cycle A. This ensures progression between year groups and guarantees topics are covered as well as equipping the children with the correct skills and knowledge to move through the year groups.

We ensure all children are given rich learning experiences that aim to:

• Develop curiosity and excitement about the natural and physical world through hands-on, practical exploration.
• Build on prior knowledge and make clear links between scientific concepts and real-life contexts.
• Engage in different types of scientific enquiry, including observing over time, pattern seeking, classifying, comparative testing and research using secondary sources.
• Use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently, strengthening their ability to discuss and record their findings.
• Encourage collaborative learning, allowing children to share ideas, work methodically and learn from one another.
• Promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills through investigation and questioning.
• Make meaningful cross-curricular connections through the themed approach provided by Curriculum Maestro.
• Develop independence by giving children opportunities to plan, carry out and evaluate their own investigations.
• Provide challenge and support so that all learners, including those with SEND, can achieve success in science.
• Use the outdoor environment and local area to enrich scientific understanding and bring learning to life.
• Foster a sense of responsibility for the environment and an appreciation of how science shapes our lives and future.

The impact and measure of this is to ensure children not only acquire the appropriate age-related knowledge linked to the Science curriculum, but also skills which equip them to progress from their starting points, and within their everyday lives.

The impact of our curriculum is monitored through pupil voice, outcomes in books, learning walks focussing on specific areas of learning and assessment within Curriculum Maestro, and teachers’ ongoing observations. Children demonstrate enthusiasm for science, show resilience when investigating, and can apply their learning to new situations. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their scientific education, equipped with both the knowledge and the enquiry skills to succeed. They leave Broadlands Primary School as confident, curious and independent learners who can think critically about the world around them.

All children will have:

• A wider variety of skills linked to both scientific knowledge and understanding, and scientific enquiry/investigative skills.
• Know more, remember more and can do more as they progress through the school.
• Develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts, methods and vocabulary.
• Build strong scientific enquiry skills, enabling them to ask questions, investigate systematically and draw conclusions.
• Can apply their knowledge to new and unfamiliar contexts, making meaningful links across science topics and other subjects.
• Show increasing confidence and independence in planning, carrying out and evaluating investigations.
• Retain prior learning and use it to deepen their understanding of more complex scientific ideas over time.
• Use accurate scientific language and richer vocabulary to explain their thinking and communicate findings effectively allowing them to articulate their understanding of taught subjects.
• Demonstrate positive attitudes towards science, showing curiosity, enthusiasm and resilience.
• Understand the relevance and importance of science in everyday life, the wider world and future careers.