Intent

At Staunton, our Science curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ curiosity, critical thinking and understanding of the world. We aim to ensure that all pupils build a strong foundation in scientific knowledge and enquiry so that they:

• Develop a secure understanding of key concepts in biology, chemistry and physics.
• Learn to think and work scientifically, by asking questions, making predictions and drawing conclusions.
• Use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently to explain ideas and findings.
• Understand the relevance of science in everyday life and develop a lifelong interest in the subject.

Our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and coherently sequenced, ensuring all pupils — including those with SEND — can access and succeed in science. Knowledge and skills are carefully built over time to support long-term learning.

Implementation

Science is taught weekly across the school using a carefully planned programme that covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. Due to mixed-age classes, a two-year rolling programme ensures full coverage and clear progression for all pupils.

Key features of implementation include:

• Balanced teaching across the three science disciplines:
  • Biology – living things and life processes.
  • Chemistry – materials, properties and changes.
  • Physics – forces, light, sound and other physical processes.

• Regular opportunities for pupils to work scientifically through investigation, including:
  • asking questions and making predictions
  • observing closely
  • collecting and recording results
  • discussing findings and drawing conclusions
• Each half term includes a planned scientific investigation, allowing pupils to practise explaining their thinking clearly.
• Explicit teaching of key scientific vocabulary within each topic to support understanding and confidence.

Building knowledge and inclusion

Scientific concepts are revisited and built upon year on year, helping pupils retain knowledge and deepen understanding. In Reception, children explore science through play-based learning, while older pupils apply their knowledge to more complex investigations.

Teachers adapt tasks, provide scaffolding and use practical resources so that all pupils, including those with additional needs, can take part fully and achieve well.

Enrichment and experiences

Science learning is enriched through:

• National Science Week activities
• Live NFU online lessons, linking learning to real scientists and our local farming context
• Science clubs and extra-curricular opportunities

These experiences help pupils see how science is used in the real world and increase engagement and motivation.

Impact

The impact of our Science curriculum is seen in pupils’ knowledge, skills and attitudes:

• Pupils demonstrate secure understanding of key scientific concepts and can explain ideas using appropriate vocabulary.
• They carry out investigations with increasing independence, applying scientific skills accurately.
• Pupils show confidence, curiosity and enjoyment in science and ask thoughtful questions about the world around them.

Assessment and Review

Teachers use ongoing assessment during lessons and investigations to check understanding and inform next steps. Leaders monitor curriculum coverage, pupil outcomes and pupil voice to ensure science teaching has a positive and lasting impact.

By the time pupils leave Staunton, they are confident, inquisitive learners with the scientific knowledge and skills needed for the next stage of education and an appreciation of the importance of science in everyday life.