Science

Our Vision

At Weston Village Primary School, Science is a key part of our broad and balanced curriculum, promoting curiosity, exploration, and a sense of wonder about the world. We aim to inspire our pupils to think scientifically, ask questions, and develop a deep understanding of the world around them. Through hands-on investigations, enquiry-based learning, and exciting enrichment opportunities, we foster a lifelong love of Science and prepare children to Be the Best They Can Be in line with our Secrets of Success ethos.

Science at Weston is for everyone. We promote an inclusive approach where every child, regardless of background or need, develops confidence in their scientific skills and understanding. We encourage our pupils to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and responsible global citizens.

Intent

Our Science curriculum is designed to develop children’s understanding of the world through biology, chemistry, and physics. We aim to build scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding while developing the essential skills of working scientifically. Our curriculum:

• Encourages curiosity and questioning about the natural and man-made world.

• Builds knowledge in key areas such as plants, animals including humans, materials, forces, and Earth and space.

• Develops investigative and enquiry skills through working scientifically, including observing, classifying, testing, predicting, and drawing conclusions.

• Promotes scientific vocabulary, ensuring children can articulate their learning effectively.

• Fosters understanding of sustainability, biodiversity, and the role Science plays in protecting our planet.

• Ensures progression of scientific knowledge, skills, and vocabulary from EYFS through to Year 6.

Our inclusive approach ensures all children can access a rich Science curriculum, with appropriate support and adaptations to meet the needs of every learner.

Implementation

Science is taught weekly across the school in discreet lessons, with meaningful links made to other areas of the curriculum where appropriate. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that prior learning is revisited and built upon, enabling pupils to know more and remember more over time.

Our curriculum covers:

• Biology: Animals including humans, living things and their habitats, plants, evolution and inheritance.

• Chemistry: Everyday materials, properties and changes of materials, rocks, and states of matter.

• Physics: Forces, magnets, light, sound, electricity, and Earth and space.

Practical work is at the heart of our Science teaching. Children regularly plan, carry out, and evaluate investigations. They learn to make predictions, gather evidence, and present their findings in a variety of ways.

We use high-quality resources and progression frameworks to support our curriculum delivery, ensuring all units are aligned with the National Curriculum and offer clarity on knowledge, vocabulary, and skills at each stage.

Our Curriculum in Action

EYFS (Sparrows)
Our youngest children explore the world through their Understanding the World area of learning. They make observations of animals and plants, discuss seasonal changes, and engage in first-hand experiences that develop curiosity and questioning.

Key Stage 1
Pupils begin to explore the world around them, observing and recording their findings. They investigate animals, plants, materials, and seasonal changes. Topics include Animals Including Humans, Everyday Materials, and Plants.

Lower Key Stage 2
Children develop their understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics through investigations and enquiry. They explore topics such as Forces and Magnets, States of Matter, and Rocks. Pupils learn to ask relevant questions and set up simple practical enquiries.

Upper Key Stage 2
Pupils deepen their understanding of complex scientific concepts, including Evolution and Inheritance, Properties and Changes of Materials, and Earth and Space. They conduct more sophisticated investigations and develop independence in planning, conducting, and evaluating experiments.

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

Science at Weston Village Primary extends far beyond the classroom:

• STEM Club: Offering fun and challenging projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, inspiring future scientists and engineers.

• Engineering Club: Focusing on problem-solving and innovation through exciting design-and-make activities.

• STEM Week: A whole-school celebration of Science, bringing in external speakers and offering practical workshops, visits, and competitions.

• Forest School: Opportunities to explore nature and understand habitats, life cycles, and sustainability.

• Educational Visits: Trips to local parks, nature reserves, and science museums enhance learning and bring science to life.

• Community and Global Links: Activities focusing on sustainability, biodiversity, and the role science plays in looking after our world.

Impact

We measure the impact of our Science curriculum through:

• Regular assessment of children’s understanding, including knowledge checks, investigations, and project work.

• Pupil voice – we listen to our scientists! Pupils are able to articulate their learning and explain their reasoning and methods.

• Book looks and moderation – Science books and working walls are monitored to ensure progression and high standards.

• Tracking of working scientifically skills and vocabulary progression across each phase.

• Celebration events during STEM Week and club participation help us assess enthusiasm and engagement.

As a result, our pupils leave Weston Village Primary School as confident, inquisitive scientists with a solid understanding of the world. They are ready for the next stage of their scientific learning and to apply their knowledge as responsible global citizens.

Inclusion

Science is for everyone at Weston. We ensure that:

• Lessons are differentiated to meet individual needs, including those with SEND.

• Practical activities and investigations are accessible to all pupils.

• Vocabulary is pre-taught and reinforced.

• Resources, scaffolding, and adult support are available where needed.

• Every child can develop their scientific curiosity and skills.

Pupil Voice

“I love doing experiments and finding out what happens. It makes me feel like a real scientist!” – Year 3 pupil
“STEM Week was amazing! We made bridges and tested them – ours held the most weight!” – Year 5 pupil
“We learned about the solar system and made models of the planets. I loved learning about space.” – Year 6 pupil

Subject Leadership

Our Science Lead, Mrs Armitt, is dedicated to delivering a high-quality Science curriculum at Weston. She ensures staff have access to CPD opportunities and up-to-date resources, monitors the quality of teaching and learning, and works closely with pupils to develop their scientific thinking and enquiry skills.

Want to know more?

Take a look at our:

• Science Policy

• Science Long Term Plan

• Primary Science Vocabulary Progression