Curriculum Intent
At Lanchester, we recognise the importance of science in shaping the world around us and preparing our children for the future. We believe that science not only transforms our understanding of the natural and physical world but also plays a crucial role in driving progress and prosperity. Our science curriculum is fundamentally based on the national curriculum and is designed to instil in our children a sense of curiosity, wonder, and responsibility, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to become thoughtful, innovative, and capable contributors to society.
Our science curriculum is designed to be engaging, accessible, and ambitious. We focus on three core values—being Ready, Respectful, and Resilient—as foundations for learning in every science lesson. These values guide our approach to teaching science and reflect our commitment to nurturing a positive, inclusive, and challenging learning environment:
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Ready: We prepare our children to be inquisitive and curious learners, ready to explore and understand the scientific concepts that underpin our world. Lessons are carefully structured to ensure progression in knowledge and skills, from early observations and inquiry to more complex investigations and critical thinking. Through clear learning objectives, practical activities, and hands-on experiments, we make science accessible and stimulating, so every child is ready to engage actively in their learning journey.
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Respectful: Science at Lanchester is rooted in respect—respect for the environment, for evidence-based reasoning, and for the ideas and contributions of others. We teach our children to appreciate the impact of scientific advancements on people, communities, and ecosystems. By fostering a respectful attitude towards the scientific method and the collaborative nature of scientific discovery, we help our children understand the importance of ethical considerations in science and promote a culture of environmental stewardship.
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Resilient: Science is a discipline that requires perseverance, critical thinking, and a willingness to embrace failure as a pathway to understanding. We encourage resilience by creating an atmosphere where children feel safe to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. Our curriculum is designed to develop problem-solving skills and adaptability, encouraging children to tackle challenges with confidence. Through inquiry-based learning and regular opportunities to test and refine their ideas, we help our children build the resilience needed for future scientific endeavors.
To foster an enduring passion for science, we integrate the subject into our termly projects, making connections wherever possible to other areas of the curriculum. Additionally, to ensure comprehensive coverage of the science curriculum, we incorporate specific science mini-projects that are sequenced termly or half-termly, reinforcing and building upon prior learning. In these projects, children have the opportunity to work through problems, ask questions, and apply their knowledge to explore answers independently.
The curriculum embeds ‘working scientifically’ skills throughout all stages of learning, ensuring a progressive development of scientific competencies such as observing, classifying, experimenting, and conducting fair tests. From Early Years to Key Stage 2, we provide structured opportunities for scientific inquiry, including observing over time, pattern seeking, classification, comparative and fair testing, and using secondary sources for research. By embedding these practices, we enable our children to approach science in a systematic, thoughtful, and evidence-based manner.
At Lanchester Primary School, we are committed to providing a high-quality science education that fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in our pupils. Our science curriculum is designed to ensure that all children develop a deep understanding of the world around them, are equipped with the necessary scientific skills, and gain the confidence to ask questions and explore scientific concepts through hands-on experiences.
Curriculum Delivery:
We follow the National Curriculum for Science, ensuring that pupils from Reception to Year 6 are provided with a progressive, engaging, and challenging science education.
In the early years, children are introduced to science through play-based learning, exploration, and observation, encouraging them to make predictions, ask questions, and investigate their surroundings. As children move through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, they build on these skills through more structured investigations and experiments, developing their scientific inquiry skills, vocabulary, and knowledge of scientific principles.
Practical Learning:
We believe that practical, hands-on learning is vital to developing a strong understanding of science. Our pupils regularly engage in experiments, investigations, and real-world problem-solving activities that allow them to apply their knowledge and skills in authentic contexts. Teachers provide opportunities for children to work collaboratively, develop teamwork skills, and present their findings clearly and confidently.
Cross-Curricular Links:
Science is taught in a way that allows for cross-curricular links with subjects such as mathematics, English, and geography. Pupils are encouraged to apply their scientific knowledge in different contexts, for example, by using data to draw conclusions in mathematics or by developing their scientific vocabulary through writing and discussion in English.
Assessment and Progression:
Assessment in science is ongoing, with teachers using formative assessment strategies to monitor pupils' understanding and skills development. In addition to practical assessments, pupils are encouraged to demonstrate their scientific knowledge through verbal discussions, written reports, and project-based work. Progress is tracked across year groups to ensure all pupils are making expected progress and are given the support or challenges they need to succeed.
At Lanchester Primary School, the impact of our science curriculum is evident in the way our pupils develop a deep and lasting interest in the subject, alongside a strong understanding of scientific principles. Through a combination of engaging, hands-on learning and a focus on developing key scientific skills, we ensure that all pupils make measurable progress and leave primary school with the curiosity, confidence, and knowledge to continue their scientific journey.
Pupil Engagement and Enjoyment:
Our approach to science ensures that pupils are not only knowledgeable but also excited about the subject. By offering engaging, practical experiences and opportunities for investigative learning, we cultivate a love of science from an early age. Pupils develop the skills to ask questions, hypothesize, experiment, and draw conclusions, fostering an enduring interest in the world around them. This enthusiasm for learning helps pupils to stay motivated and take ownership of their scientific education.
Development of Key Skills:
Through carefully planned lessons and investigations, pupils are able to develop essential scientific skills, including observation, measurement, data collection, and critical analysis. These skills are transferable to many areas of their academic and personal lives, contributing to well-rounded individuals who are equipped for future learning. By the time pupils leave primary school, they are proficient in conducting experiments, formulating and testing hypotheses, and presenting their findings confidently, both in writing and orally.
Academic Progress and Achievement:
Our science curriculum ensures that pupils make strong academic progress in line with national expectations. Through clear progression from year to year, pupils gain a deep understanding of scientific concepts, which builds a solid foundation for secondary school learning. Assessment data shows that pupils are consistently achieving the expected levels of understanding in science, and many are working above expectations, demonstrating the success of our teaching approach.
Increased Scientific Literacy:
As a result of our curriculum, pupils are not only able to understand scientific concepts but also apply their knowledge to real-world situations. They are equipped to make informed decisions about science-related issues in their everyday lives, and many display a keen interest in science beyond the classroom. Whether through involvement in science clubs, competitions, or further independent exploration, our pupils leave school with a broad understanding of science’s role in society and their ability to think scientifically.
Promotion of Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
The emphasis on practical learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving within our science curriculum helps to develop pupils' ability to approach challenges logically and with confidence. They learn to identify problems, collect relevant data, test solutions, and reflect on outcomes. These problem-solving skills are vital both in science and in life, equipping pupils to tackle a wide variety of situations with a scientific mindset.
Equity and Inclusion:
We are proud that our science curriculum ensures all pupils, regardless of their background or ability, are supported in their learning. Pupils with diverse learning needs are given the necessary resources and guidance to succeed, resulting in an inclusive environment where all children feel confident and capable in their scientific abilities. We see positive outcomes in pupil engagement, understanding, and achievement across all groups of learners.
Preparing for the Future:
By providing a solid foundation in science, we help prepare our pupils for future careers and further study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Many of our pupils demonstrate a growing interest in pursuing science beyond primary school, as evidenced by their participation in STEM-related extracurricular activities and their enthusiasm for science-based topics.
In summary, the impact of our science curriculum is seen in the way our pupils grow into confident, curious, and capable individuals who are equipped with the scientific knowledge and skills to succeed both in their future education and as active, informed members of society.
How Learning Science Prepares Children for the Opportunities, Responsibilities, and Experiences of Later Life
At Lanchester Primary School, the science curriculum plays a vital role in preparing children for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences they will encounter later in life. Through a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning, we equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to thrive in an increasingly scientific and technological world. Here’s how science education helps prepare our pupils for their future:
Encouraging Curiosity and Lifelong Learning:
Science fosters a natural curiosity about the world, inspiring children to continue exploring, questioning, and learning throughout their lives. This enthusiasm for discovery is crucial as they move into secondary education, further education, and careers. The skills of research, investigation, and self-directed learning taught in science will empower children to be independent learners who can adapt to new situations, seek out new knowledge, and keep up with advances in technology, science, and other fields throughout their lives.
Understanding the World Around Them:
In a rapidly changing world, it is essential for children to understand scientific concepts and how they apply to the world around them. From environmental sustainability to medical advancements, science provides the tools to understand and engage with the key issues of our time. By studying science, pupils gain insight into global challenges, such as climate change and health, and are better prepared to take on roles where they can contribute to finding solutions. This knowledge helps them understand their responsibilities as global citizens and prepares them to be informed and active participants in society.
Promoting Ethical Decision-Making and Responsibility:
Science education also teaches children to consider the ethical implications of their actions. Topics such as environmental conservation, scientific research, and technological advancements encourage pupils to think about how their decisions can impact others and the world. This understanding of responsibility helps children make thoughtful, informed choices throughout their lives. As they grow, they will be better equipped to make ethical decisions, whether they are choosing a career, participating in social issues, or making personal choices related to health, sustainability, and well-being.
In conclusion, the science curriculum at Lanchester provides children with the tools, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to succeed in the future. It nurtures their curiosity, prepares them to engage with the challenges of the world, and gives them the confidence and skills needed to take on the opportunities and responsibilities of later life. Whether in their future studies, careers, or as informed citizens, the foundation built through science education will serve them for years to come.
Building Confidence in Communication:
Science requires pupils to communicate their ideas, findings, and explanations clearly. Whether they are presenting the results of an experiment, discussing scientific concepts, or collaborating with peers, children develop the skills to articulate their thoughts confidently. These communication skills are essential for later life, whether in higher education, the workplace, or in personal relationships. Being able to explain complex ideas in a simple and understandable way is a key life skill that benefits pupils in many areas of their future.
Encouraging Collaboration and Teamwork:
Many scientific investigations involve teamwork and collaboration. Pupils work together to share ideas, test hypotheses, and solve problems, learning the value of listening to others, respecting diverse perspectives, and working towards a common goal. These collaborative skills are critical in later life, where success often depends on the ability to work effectively as part of a team, whether in a professional setting or in community projects.
Preparing for STEM Careers and Technological Advances:
In today’s world, many of the opportunities available to young people are tied to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The science curriculum introduces children to a broad range of scientific concepts that provide the foundation for pursuing STEM careers in the future. Whether pupils are interested in becoming doctors, engineers, environmental scientists, or technology experts, the knowledge and skills developed through science education will be invaluable in their future career choices. In addition, science helps children become comfortable with technology and the scientific principles behind many modern innovations, preparing them to thrive in a tech-driven world.
Promotion of Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
The emphasis on practical learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving within our science curriculum helps to develop pupils' ability to approach challenges logically and with confidence. They learn to identify problems, collect relevant data, test solutions, and reflect on outcomes. These problem-solving skills are vital both in science and in life, equipping pupils to tackle a wide variety of situations with a scientific mindset.
Equity and Inclusion:
We are proud that our science curriculum ensures all pupils, regardless of their background or ability, are supported in their learning. Pupils with diverse learning needs are given the necessary resources and guidance to succeed, resulting in an inclusive environment where all children feel confident and capable in their scientific abilities. We see positive outcomes in pupil engagement, understanding, and achievement across all groups of learners.
Preparing for the Future:
By providing a solid foundation in science, we help prepare our pupils for future careers and further study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Many of our pupils demonstrate a growing interest in pursuing science beyond primary school, as evidenced by their participation in STEM-related extracurricular activities and their enthusiasm for science-based topics.
In summary, the impact of our science curriculum is seen in the way our pupils grow into confident, curious, and capable individuals who are equipped with the scientific knowledge and skills to succeed both in their future education and as active, informed members of society.
The Lanchester Primary School science curriculum supports the social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) of pupils by fostering curiosity, building self-confidence, and encouraging teamwork. Engaging in hands-on experiments and investigations allows children to experience success, which boosts their self-esteem and resilience. Collaborative activities promote social skills, empathy, and communication as pupils work together to solve problems. Additionally, science often involves exploration and discovery, which encourages a growth mindset and a sense of achievement. By providing opportunities for pupils to express their ideas and make sense of the world around them, the curriculum also supports emotional well-being, helping children to feel more connected and capable in their learning and daily lives.
