Science
Intent
At Old Hill Primary School, our science curriculum aims to develop pupils’ curiosity about the natural world and inspire a lifelong interest in science.
Through engaging lessons and practical investigations, pupils develop secure scientific knowledge across the key areas of biology, chemistry and physics. The curriculum encourages pupils to ask questions, explore ideas and develop a deeper understanding of how the world works.
We aim to ensure that pupils develop both scientific knowledge and the skills needed to work scientifically. Pupils learn how scientists investigate questions, gather evidence and draw conclusions.
Our science curriculum also helps pupils understand the importance of science in everyday life, encouraging them to think critically about the world around them and the role science plays in modern society.
Implementation
Science is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds pupils’ knowledge and understanding over time.
Lessons combine the development of scientific knowledge with opportunities for practical enquiry and investigation. Pupils regularly take part in hands-on activities that allow them to observe, test ideas and collect evidence.
Teachers support pupils in developing the skills of working scientifically, including:
• asking scientific questions
• planning and carrying out investigations
• observing and measuring carefully
• recording and analysing results
• drawing conclusions based on evidence
Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited to help pupils explain their ideas clearly and accurately.
Learning is structured so that pupils revisit key concepts and deepen their understanding as they move through the school.
Impact
The impact of our science curriculum is seen in the knowledge, skills and curiosity pupils develop during their time at Old Hill Primary School.
Pupils leave school with a secure understanding of key scientific ideas and the ability to think scientifically about the world around them.
They are able to:
• ask questions about scientific phenomena
• plan and carry out simple investigations
• record observations and interpret results
• use scientific vocabulary accurately
• explain scientific ideas and processes
As pupils progress through the school, they become increasingly confident in applying their scientific knowledge and enquiry skills, developing the curiosity and understanding needed for further study in science.
Enrichment Opportunities
Science learning at Old Hill Primary School is enhanced through a range of practical experiences, outdoor learning and educational visits. These opportunities allow pupils to observe living things in their natural environments and apply their scientific knowledge through real-life investigations.
For example, pupils in Key Stage 1 visit the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre where they explore meadow habitats and investigate trees and flowering plants through games and observational activities. Pupils also visit Bodenham Arboretum, where they explore woodland habitats, identify a range of trees and observe plants growing in their natural environment.
In Key Stage 2, pupils further develop their scientific enquiry skills through activities such as identifying and classifying invertebrates using identification keys and flow charts. Pupils also regularly carry out investigations within the school grounds and local area, observing habitats, seasonal changes and living things in their environment.
These experiences help pupils develop curiosity about the natural world and build the observation, classification and enquiry skills needed to think like young scientists.
Overviews
