Science

Intent
At Guston CEP School, our primary science curriculum inspires curiosity, enquiry, and resilience. Through engaging, hands-on investigations, children build a deep understanding of key biological, chemical, and physical concepts. We foster scientific thinking: observing, questioning, hypothesising, testing and reflecting. Lessons are planned coherently, revisiting ideas to deepen learning and connecting science to everyday life and global challenges. We develop vocabulary and communication skills, allowing pupils to explain ideas clearly and confidently. Inclusive teaching ensures all pupils, including those with different needs, access meaningful scientific experiences. Outdoor learning, practical resources, and real-world problem solving enrich exploration and spark enthusiasm. Our aim is to nurture thoughtful, informed learners who respect evidence, challenge ideas respectfully, and develop a lifelong passion for discovery. Through this intent, we prepare pupils to navigate and contribute positively to an ever-changing world grounded in scientific understanding and enquiry.

Implementation
To implement our primary science curriculum effectively, we adopt a structured and progressive approach that ensures all pupils develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts and skills across their primary years. Starting with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we lay the groundwork for scientific thinking through playful exploration, encouraging children to observe, ask questions, and make connections with the world around them. As pupils move into Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, topics build upon prior learning and are revisited at increasing levels of complexity.
In each year group, we provide an engaging and diverse range of hands-on activities, experiments, and investigations that allow pupils to apply their scientific knowledge in real-world contexts. We use practical resources and make use of the local environment and outdoor spaces to enhance learning. This approach helps pupils develop not only a theoretical understanding of science but also practical skills like observation, measurement, and problem-solving.
Teachers use a variety of teaching strategies to engage students, including inquiry-based learning, collaborative group work, and teacher-led demonstrations. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing for differentiation based on individual needs. This means providing tailored support and challenge to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their ability, can access and succeed in their science learning. We ensure that learning activities are meaningful and relevant by incorporating cross-curricular links with mathematics, literacy, and computing where appropriate, which helps children understand how science connects with other areas of learning and the world around them.
We place significant emphasis on developing scientific vocabulary and communication skills. Throughout the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to describe and explain their observations, form hypotheses, and communicate their findings using scientific language. This helps foster critical thinking and ensures that children can express their ideas clearly and confidently.
Assessment is an integral part of our approach to science education. Teachers continuously assess pupils' understanding through observations, questioning, and feedback, adapting their teaching accordingly to meet the needs of individuals and groups. Formative assessment informs planning, enabling teachers to provide targeted support where necessary, while summative assessments help track pupils' progress over time.
We also integrate opportunities for pupils to develop their social and emotional skills by encouraging them to work collaboratively, respect differing viewpoints, and approach problem-solving with resilience and perseverance. This is particularly important when conducting investigations or handling challenges that require creative thinking.
Through the implementation of this curriculum, we aim to cultivate a deep passion for science. Pupils develop the skills to think critically and logically, make informed decisions, and engage with scientific issues in their everyday lives. We want our learners to leave primary school with the confidence to explore, question, and contribute to a rapidly changing world, equipped with the scientific knowledge and skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Impact
Our primary science curriculum is designed to have a lasting, positive impact on all learners. Through an engaging, hands-on approach, we aim to foster a love for science and equip pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future learning and beyond. The impact of our science curriculum can be measured in the following key areas:

 Curiosity and Engagement: Pupils develop a natural curiosity about the world, leading to increased engagement in scientific enquiry. They ask thoughtful questions and seek to explore answers through investigation.Scientific Knowledge and Skills: By the end of Key Stage 2, all pupils will have acquired a solid understanding of key scientific concepts across biology, chemistry, and physics, with the ability to apply these concepts in real-world situations.
 Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Pupils learn to think critically, hypothesise, test ideas, and evaluate evidence. They develop strong problem-solving skills, which are transferable to other subjects and everyday life.
 Scientific Communication: Pupils improve their ability to explain their thoughts, observations, and conclusions using appropriate scientific language. This enhances their verbal and written communication skills.
 Confidence in Science: Children build confidence in their abilities as scientists. They are willing to make predictions, take risks, and learn from failure in a safe, supportive environment.
 Progression of Learning: Pupils make steady progress in their scientific understanding, with concepts revisited and expanded as they move through the school, ensuring depth of knowledge.
 Lifelong Passion for Science: Our curriculum inspires pupils to continue exploring scientific ideas beyond primary school, instilling a lifelong passion for discovery and learning.

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