In This Section

Science

Our Intent

The overarching intent for Science in the National Curriculum (2014) is to equip pupils with the skills to:

  • develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
  • develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
  • are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Our Way

Our Science curriculum develops independent thinkers, who work collaboratively so that they can articulate, present, and discuss their learning confidently. Inspired by the wonders of the world they will enhance their scientific knowledge and cultivate a desire to extend their research skills even further.

Please see the document below for our coverage of the Science curriculum.

Science Pathway_Digital

Assessment in Science

How we assess
At Henry Chichele Primary School, we assess Science primarily using formative assessment with an end of unit summative assessment.
Formative assessment
Most of the assessment we carry out is formative assessment.  As we teach, at the end of each lesson, each LI (learning intension) is assessed taking into account the childrens’ own self-assessment.  This is an ongoing assessment enabling us to adapt our lessons to the cohort being taught after each and every Science lesson.
Summative assessment
Summative assessment takes place at the end of each unit/topic.  The children fill out an end of unit self-assessment with a self-reflective section about what the learning has made them think about:
The true summative part comes about in the last lesson of the unit whereby each child is tasked with summing up what they have learnt.  They can present their learning in whichever way they feel is appropriate and this in turn will inform the final teacher assessment of the unit.
Cross curricular writing
Throughout the year, there are opportunities to create some extended pieces of writing within Science.  These pieces of writing go towards the children's’ assessment within Writing.  Science lends itself to the non-fiction genre of writing such as non-chronological reports or explanation texts.

How We Teach Science in Reception (EYFS) and Year 1/2 (Key Stage 1)

At our school, science teaching is designed to spark curiosity and help children make sense of the world around them. Across EYFS and Key Stage 1, we use practical experiences, rich environments and continuous provision to support children as they develop early scientific understanding.

Science in EYFS Through Continuous Provision

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), science forms a key part of Understanding the World. Rather than being taught as a separate subject, it is embedded throughout daily play and exploration. Our continuous provision, such as the outdoor learning area, water and sand trays, small-world play and investigation stations, gives children ongoing opportunities to observe, question and experiment.

Children might explore floating and sinking, notice seasonal changes, or examine natural materials using magnifying glasses. Adults support learning by modelling vocabulary, asking open-ended questions and encouraging children to talk about what they discover. These experiences help children develop early scientific skills such as predicting, noticing patterns and describing their observations.

Science in Year 1/2 Using the Lion Curriculum

In our mixed Year 1/2 classes, science is taught every other week using the Lion Curriculum. This structured curriculum ensures clear progression for both year groups, building on prior knowledge and introducing key concepts in an engaging and practical way.

Lessons involve hands-on investigations where children observe closely, classify materials, record simple results and discuss what they have found out. Teachers adapt learning so both Year 1 and Year 2 pupils are challenged appropriately.

Continuous provision continues to support learning in Key Stage 1 (KS1). During independent learning time, children can access science-linked resources such as magnets, materials to sort, or simple investigations to revisit. This reinforces new knowledge and allows children to explore ideas further at their own pace.

Across EYFS and KS1, our approach ensures science is active, exciting and woven through everyday learning - helping children build confidence, curiosity and the foundations of scientific thinking.

Would you like to know more?

Please contact our Science Lead, Mr Abbott, through our school office or by using the contact form.