Science is a priority. It has changed the world we live in and the way we live in it. Everyday
decisions increasingly require British citizens and policy makers to be scientifically literate.
Ever more employers demand a high-quality STEM education from prospective candidates
in sectors where job satisfaction and pay are high. Yet Britain increasingly lacks the skills to
fill these jobs.
The science curriculum offer is rooted in a conviction to address social disadvantage,
promote social mobility and deliver social justice. To prepare all of our pupils with the
foundations of curiosity, skills and knowledge to make informed decisions, be prepared for
success in and enthused about their Secondary science education and to follow future
employment opportunities as confident learners – actively contributing to society and living
fulfilling lives that are underpinned by a thirst for knowledge and love of learning.
The science curriculum is planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills build
upon what has been taught before, and towards well-defined end-points. The Early Years
Foundation Stage encourages pupils to be curious and to ask questions – stimulating a
sense of excitement about natural phenomena and developing the foundations of scientific
enquiry. Key Stage 1 builds upon these foundations – empowering pupils to use the
methods of science to independently/practically investigate questions and develop their
understanding of scientific ideas - preparing them for Key Stage 2. During Key Stage 2,
pupils gain highly facilitated lessons that allow them to master the investigative skills and
scientific knowledge that will facilitate a lifetime of asking questions, being curious and
investigating.
Pupils are taught wider Skills for Life - to make mistakes, become resilient to failure and
thrive on challenge. They develop, broaden and deepen their mathematical knowledge,
skills and understanding, their scientific vocabulary and oracy/reading skills – expressing
scientific concepts clearly and precisely. They know how to self-regulate their behaviour,
keep themselves and others safe and have an understanding of the fundamental British
values/protected characteristics.
These opportunities are closely linked to the lives of pupils, embedded in real world STEM
contexts (local, national and global) and explicitly linked to knowledge, skills and
understanding passports (e.g. an Engineers passport) - to provide an appreciation of the
importance and application of the scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding and the
nature, processes and methods of science.
Year 1