Intent

At Blackfell Primary School, Science is inclusive, engaging and accessible to every child. Our curriculum aims to spark curiosity, deepen understanding of the natural and human‑made world, and develop a lifelong respect for the environment. We follow the National Curriculum to provide a broad, balanced and progressive programme of study that builds strong foundations in scientific knowledge, vocabulary and skills.

We want children to think, talk and work like scientists. Oracy is a key focus: pupils are supported to use scientific vocabulary confidently, explain their ideas clearly and discuss their findings in pairs, groups and whole‑class settings. Alongside classroom lessons, enrichment opportunities—such as visits, outdoor learning and themed events—further enhance children’s scientific experiences.

Our aims are to ensure all pupils:

• build on their natural curiosity and use themselves as a starting point for scientific learning
• use scientific language accurately and confidently to explain their thinking
• develop the skills of questioning, predicting, investigating, observing, measuring, interpreting and concluding
• follow their own lines of enquiry and take ownership of investigations
• enjoy science and understand its relevance to everyday life
• work cooperatively and explore concepts in meaningful, real‑world contexts
• collect evidence, question results and persevere when investigations do not go as expected
• treat the environment respectfully and work safely with all equipment
• understand that science is ever‑changing and that not all answers are known

Teaching is shaped by the Rosenshine Principles, ensuring new content is introduced in manageable steps, supported by modelling, guided practice and regular review to secure long‑term understanding.

SEND / Pupil Premium / Higher Attainers: Every child receives high‑quality, inclusive teaching. Pupils with SEND or those in receipt of pupil premium receive targeted support—such as adapted tasks, scaffolding, practical resources or adult guidance—to ensure they can fully access scientific learning. Higher attainers are challenged through deeper questioning, complex investigations and opportunities to extend their thinking. All pupils are encouraged and supported to reach their full potential.

Implementation

The Science subject leader oversees curriculum design, delivery and impact to ensure high standards across the school. Science is taught weekly in dedicated lessons—at least one hour in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2—and follows a clear progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary from EYFS to Year 6.

Our curriculum is built around the National Curriculum and mapped through the Blackfell Scheme of Work, ensuring clear learning pathways that revisit and build on prior knowledge. Each lesson begins with an enquiry question, encouraging children to think scientifically and explore the world around them.

Teachers:

• assess prior knowledge using questioning, Flash Back grids and retrieval tasks
• plan practical, engaging lessons tailored to the interests and needs of their class
• teach and display key scientific vocabulary to strengthen oracy and understanding
• incorporate Working Scientifically skills within every unit
• provide a mix of demonstration, hands‑on investigation, discussion and reflection

Assessment includes Locked in Learning tasks, end‑of‑unit quizzes, Braindrops and teacher judgement. Two Flash Back grids per unit strengthen retrieval and long‑term memory. Outcomes are recorded and shared with the next teacher to ensure continuity.

Moderation takes place within school and across cluster schools to ensure consistency and accuracy. The subject leader works with staff, governors and the wider science network to review quality, develop practice and ensure breadth and balance.

Science at Blackfell extends beyond the classroom. Children regularly engage in outdoor learning, educational visits and whole‑school events. Our annual Science Week encourages practical investigation and enjoyment for all pupils. Parents are involved through shared work, assemblies and online updates. Staff benefit from CPD delivered through the local authority and internal training.

Impact

We aim to create confident, curious and independent young scientists. Our curriculum is designed to ensure pupils develop secure knowledge, essential skills and the ability to apply learning across different contexts.

We measure impact through:

• Pupil voice, discussing learning experiences and understanding
• End‑of‑unit quizzes and Flash Back grids to assess knowledge and retention
• Teacher assessment through work scrutiny, observations and discussions
• Scribed records of oral responses in EYFS and KS1
• Practical learning evidence, including photos and investigation notes
• Moderation within school and with external partners
• End‑of-year and end‑of‑key‑stage judgements against National Curriculum standards
• Annual reporting to parents on progress and attainment

Regular monitoring by the subject leader—through book scrutiny, planning reviews and discussions—ensures teaching is effective and learning is progressive. Children are expected to retain key knowledge, revisit concepts over time and apply skills independently in new situations. Our approach builds resilience, confidence and a secure understanding of how science shapes our world.