Science Lead: Mrs Roxi Baldwin

The Science curriculum at Lever House Primary School is designed to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to explore and make sense of the world around them. Science is a key part of the holistic development of our pupils and supports our school values of Safe, Positive, Ambitious, Respect and Kindness.

To achieve this, we make Science engaging, practical and purposeful by encouraging children to ask questions, investigate their own ideas and learn through hands-on experiences. Following a clear progression of scientific knowledge and enquiry skills helps pupils build on what they already know and develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts.

Through Science, children learn how scientific discoveries have shaped the world and continue to impact our everyday lives. They are encouraged to think critically, work collaboratively, use scientific vocabulary with confidence and explain their thinking. Above all, we aim to inspire curiosity, develop a love of learning and equip every child with the knowledge and skills they need for the next stage of their education and beyond.

Curriculum Mapping Rationale:

Science is taught through a carefully planned two-year rolling programme based on the National Curriculum, ensuring full coverage of the required knowledge and skills. The curriculum map was planned so that units are not dependent on a progressive sequence, allowing children to access the curriculum whichever year of the rolling programme they are following. Progression is instead developed through the careful revisiting and building of key knowledge, vocabulary and Working Scientifically skills.

The curriculum is sequenced to provide a good balance of topics across the different areas of Science. Science is taught weekly, with lessons focusing on key knowledge and vocabulary alongside opportunities to develop Working Scientifically skills. Children regularly investigate, observe, predict, classify, record and draw conclusions, helping them to apply their scientific understanding.

 

A strength of teaching and learning is the use of practical activities, questioning and discussion to engage children and develop their understanding. Teachers make links to previous learning and use scientific vocabulary consistently.

Evidence from lesson visits, work scrutiny and pupil voice shows that children enjoy Science, are engaged in lessons and can recall previous learning. Work in books demonstrates that children are developing their scientific knowledge, vocabulary and enquiry skills.

Over time, children are becoming increasingly confident in applying their knowledge and working scientifically. Regular opportunities to revisit key concepts and skills help children to consolidate learning and make connections across different areas of Science.

Planning:

Science at Lever House is planned using our own bespoke curriculum, which has been carefully designed to meet the National Curriculum and the needs of our pupils. Each unit is built around clear learning questions that sequence learning and help children make links between lessons. Knowledge organisers support each topic by introducing key vocabulary and important concepts, helping children to recall and build on prior learning.

Assessment:

Assessment in Science is ongoing and informs day-to-day teaching. Teachers use assessment ladders, review questions, discussion and observations during lessons to check understanding, identify misconceptions and adapt learning where needed, including pre-teaching or targeted support. At the end of each unit, pupils complete an assessment that demonstrates their understanding of the key knowledge and skills. This may take the form of a double-page spread in their books or a more creative outcome, such as a video or Keynote presentation using iPads. Assessment information is then used to monitor progress, inform future planning and identify any pupils who may need additional support or intervention.

Monitoring:

Monitoring in Science takes place throughout the year and is linked to the priorities identified in the Science action plan. A range of monitoring activities, including book looks, lesson visits, pupil voice and planning reviews are used to evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across the school. The findings are used to celebrate strengths, identify areas for development and inform future actions, ensuring continued improvement in Science.

Enrichment Opportunities:

Science is enriched through a range of practical experiences and wider opportunities that bring learning to life. Children take part in outdoor learning, investigations around the school grounds and forest school activities. Visitors and workshops are used where appropriate to inspire pupils and introduce them to real-life applications of science. Educational visits help children make meaningful links between classroom learning and the wider world, while the use of iPads allows pupils to record investigations and present their findings in creative ways.