Science at Brightwalton C of E Primary School

Our Vision

At Brightwalton, Science inspires a curiosity about the natural world and helps children to understand how things work and why they change. We want our pupils to develop a sense of wonder, enquiry and responsibility, equipping them to understand and contribute positively to the world around them.

Intent: What We Want for Our Children

Our Science curriculum ensures that all pupils:

• Develop secure scientific knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics

• Understand how science helps us to explain the world

• Learn to ask questions, investigate and think critically

• Develop confidence in using scientific vocabulary and methods

Learning is carefully sequenced so that pupils build on prior knowledge over time, enabling them to know more and remember more. Concepts are taught in small, manageable steps, ensuring all pupils can access and succeed.

Our curriculum is ambitious for all pupils, supporting them to become independent and reflective learners.

Implementation: How We Teach Science

Science is taught through a well-structured, enquiry-led approach, where pupils develop both knowledge and scientific thinking progressively.

Working Scientifically

Pupils develop scientific enquiry skills over time:

• Asking questions

• Planning and carrying out investigations

• Observing and measuring

• Recording and presenting data

• Drawing conclusions and evaluating evidence

These skills progress from simple observations in EYFS to independent investigation and evaluation by the end of KS2 .

What Learning Looks Like

• Lessons include practical investigations and hands-on learning

• Pupils use a range of scientific equipment and methods

• Learning includes discussion, recording, analysis and reflection

• Teachers explicitly teach scientific vocabulary

Knowledge and Skills

Our curriculum balances:

• Substantive knowledge (what pupils know):

  • Living things and habitats

  • Animals including humans

  • Plants

  • Materials

  • Forces, light, sound and electricity

  • Earth and space

  • Evolution and inheritance

• Disciplinary knowledge (how pupils think):

  • Scientific enquiry

  • Investigation and testing

  • Data analysis

  • Evaluating evidence

Supporting All Learners

All pupils access the same ambitious curriculum. Teachers support this through:

• Clear modelling and explanation

• Breaking learning into small, structured steps

• Pre-teaching vocabulary

• Use of visuals and practical resources

• Ongoing assessment to identify misconceptions

Pupils are supported to move from guided learning to independence, applying their knowledge confidently.

Progression: How Learning Builds Over Time

EYFS

• Explore the natural world

• Observe changes and ask questions

• Begin to explain simple processes

Key Stage 1

• Develop understanding of plants, animals, materials and seasons

• Carry out simple tests and observations

• Begin to record findings

Lower Key Stage 2

• Study states of matter, rocks, forces and living things

• Carry out fair tests and record results

• Explain findings using scientific language

Upper Key Stage 2

• Study electricity, light, evolution, Earth and space

• Plan and carry out investigations independently

• Analyse results and evaluate evidence

Impact: What Pupils Achieve

By the end of Year 6, pupils will:

• Have a secure understanding of scientific concepts

• Be able to plan and carry out investigations

• Use evidence to explain and justify ideas

• Apply their knowledge independently across contexts

• Use accurate scientific vocabulary

Pupils leave Brightwalton as curious, confident and capable scientists.

Why Science Matters

Science helps our children to:

• Understand the world around them

• Develop problem-solving and enquiry skills

• Make informed decisions about their lives and environment

Through Science, our vision of children as a “Shining Light” is realised—they are equipped with the knowledge and understanding to contribute positively to the future.