Science
What we teach, why we teach it, and how it helps every child grow.
Our intent
Inspiring curiosity, discovery and a love of science
At Weeton St Michael's Church of England Primary School, we aim to inspire a lifelong curiosity about the world through an engaging and inclusive Science curriculum. We want children to develop secure knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics while learning to question, investigate and explain the world around them.
Through carefully sequenced learning and practical scientific enquiries, children develop the skills to observe, predict, experiment and draw conclusions using evidence. We introduce pupils to influential scientists and encourage them to understand the importance of scientific discoveries in everyday life.
In keeping with our Christian values, we encourage curiosity, perseverance and respect for the natural world. We want every child to see themselves as a scientist and leave Weeton St Michael's with the knowledge, confidence and skills to think critically and make informed decisions.
Subject Lead
Mr Wentel
We aim for our children to
- Develop curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring the world around them.
- Build secure knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and physics.
- Ask questions, make predictions and carry out scientific investigations.
- Develop practical skills in observing, measuring, recording and interpreting results.
- Recognise the contributions of scientists and understand the importance of scientific discoveries.
- Understand the importance of healthy lifestyles and caring for the natural environment.
- Apply their scientific knowledge to everyday situations and real-life problems.
Implementation
How we teach it
At Weeton, Science follows a progressive curriculum guided by our whole-school Science progression map and two-year rolling programme. Children build on prior learning through topics covering biology, chemistry and physics, developing their scientific knowledge and enquiry skills from EYFS to Year 6.
In EYFS and Key Stage 1, children explore the world around them through practical experiences involving plants, animals, habitats, seasonal changes, materials and everyday forces. They begin to ask questions, make observations and recognise patterns.
Throughout Key Stage 2, children develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, including electricity, forces, rocks, sound, light, states of matter, evolution, classification and the human body. They increasingly plan investigations, take measurements, record results, identify patterns and use evidence to draw conclusions.
Teachers use practical investigations, demonstrations, questioning and discussion to develop scientific thinking. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught, and opportunities to revisit prior learning help children make connections between topics. Learning is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring that everyone can participate, develop independence and achieve success.
Every child can achieve in Science
We believe that every child can succeed in Science and develop the knowledge, skills and curiosity needed to understand the world around them.
Staff plan engaging lessons that build on prior learning and provide opportunities for children to explore scientific concepts, ask questions and investigate their own ideas. Through practical activities, discussion and carefully guided investigations, we encourage every child to think scientifically, learn from their findings and develop a lifelong interest in science.
The impact
How we know it is working
Through our Science curriculum, children develop secure scientific knowledge, practical enquiry skills and a curiosity about the world. By the end of Year 6, pupils can ask scientific questions, plan and carry out investigations, interpret results and use evidence to explain their findings.
Progress is assessed through questioning, discussions, retrieval activities, practical investigations, written work and end-of-unit assessments. This enables teachers to monitor children's understanding, identify misconceptions and plan appropriate next steps.
Ultimately, we aim for children to leave Weeton St Michael's as confident, inquisitive and reflective scientists who can think critically, make informed decisions and appreciate the importance of science in everyday life.
Each term the subject leader will
- Monitor pupils' work
- Interview pupils
- Evaluate assessments and identify trends
- Conduct a learning walk to assess teaching and learning in science
Standards of teaching and learning in mathematics are monitored by the subject leader and the headteacher. We review and develop the curriculum on an annual basis.
What children learn
National Curriculum expectations by key stage
Early Years Foundation Stage
Key Stage 1
Lower Key Stage 2
Upper Key Stage 2
Children develop a deeper understanding of mixtures and separation, forces, electricity, life cycles, human development, circulation, classification, evolution and inheritance. They investigate how variables affect results, use recognised scientific symbols and models, and explain scientific processes using evidence. They develop greater independence when planning investigations, analysing results and communicating conclusions.
Our whole-school curriculum vision
At Weeton St Michael's C of E Primary School, our vision is to provide our children with a high-quality, inclusive education inspired by Christian values. Excellent teaching and learning form the basis of all our work, delivered through a caring, creative ethos.
Our children are encouraged to have a positive attitude, develop resilience in their approach to learning, become confident in their own ability, and be independent and motivated to achieve their full potential.
We believe it is our duty to make learning fun, engaging, memorable, accessible and ambitious for all children, instilling in them a love of learning.
We take seriously our duty to teach children about the fundamental British values of mutual respect and tolerance, democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty. These values are woven through our curriculum so that our learners leave us prepared for life in modern Britain.
Documents
Take a closer look at the subjects we teach
Weeton Science Progression Map
Our progression document details the precise knowledge taught in each unit of work.
Useful links
Good places to practise
We had added some resource links that our children actually use or which may be handy to learn at home.
Questions about the curriculum?
Our subject leaders are always happy to talk. Call 01253 836280
