Purpose and Aims of the Subject
The aim of the Science Curriculum at Adderley Primary School is to develop pupils’ curiosity, understanding and enjoyment of the world around them through the study of biology, chemistry and physics. It seeks to equip children with the foundational knowledge and scientific vocabulary outlined in the Department for Education National Curriculum, while fostering a sense of wonder about natural phenomena and an appreciation of how science has shaped our lives and will continue to influence the future.
Through practical investigation and enquiry-based learning, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, observe closely, carry out fair tests, record findings and draw evidence-based conclusions. The curriculum aims to build scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding progressively, ensuring that children develop the skills to think critically, work collaboratively and apply their learning to real-world contexts, preparing them for further education and informed participation in an increasingly scientific and technological society.
To support the delivery of high-quality science teaching and learning, the school follows the Cornerstones Curriculum scheme for Science and the Love to Investigate (LTI) investigations, providing pupils with an enriching and hands-on learning experience, which provides structured units of work, clear progression of knowledge and skills, and engaging learning experiences aligned with the National Curriculum.
Our Science Curriculum Aims to:
- Prepare pupils for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.
- Develop an understanding of scientific processes and methods.
- Encourage curiosity by building on pupils’ natural inquisitiveness.
- Foster open-mindedness, perseverance, and self-assessment in scientific exploration.
- Teach and reinforce scientific skills such as observing, measuring, predicting, hypothesising, experimenting, communicating, and evaluating.
- Promote the use of scientific vocabulary, recording techniques, and digital technologies in investigations.
- Create meaningful cross-curricular links between Science and subjects such as English, Maths, Geography, and Computing.
- Embed ‘Working Scientifically’ skills into every lesson, ensuring progression from EYFS to Year 6.
How is Science Taught at Adderley.
To ensure high-quality Science teaching and learning, we follow a coherently sequenced and progressive curriculum throughout the school. Teachers work collaboratively to plan engaging lessons that meet the requirements of:
The National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Science (KS1 and KS2).
‘Understanding the World’ in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Key Features of Science Teaching at Adderley:
- Science is taught weekly—two hours in KS2 and one hour in KS1.
- Where possible, Science lessons are linked to cross-curricular topics, reinforcing learning through real-world applications.
- Science lessons are practical and investigative, encouraging pupils to develop their enquiry skills through hands-on learning.
- Regular learning walks, observations, and pupil voice feedback ensure high-quality provision and pupil progress.
Outcomes of the Curriculum and Assessment
The intended outcomes of the Science Curriculum are that pupils develop secure scientific knowledge and understanding in line with the expectations of the Department for Education National Curriculum. By the end of primary school, pupils should have a strong foundation in key concepts from biology, chemistry and physics, alongside the ability to apply scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently.
Pupils are expected to develop a range of strategies to work scientifically, including asking questions, planning and carrying out investigations, observing and measuring carefully, recording results in a variety of ways, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. These skills enable children to think critically, solve problems and understand how scientific knowledge is developed.
Assessment is used to monitor pupils’ understanding, inform teaching and ensure progression. Ongoing formative assessment takes place through questioning, discussion, observation of practical work and review of pupils recorded outcomes. The school uses the Cornerstones Curriculum to support clear progression in knowledge and skills and to help teachers assess whether pupils are working towards, on track to achieve, or exceeding age-related expectations in science.