Science

Science Intent, Implementation & Impact

Intent

The intent of our Science curriculum is to ignite pupils’ curiosity about the natural and physical world and inspire a lifelong passion for scientific enquiry. We aim to provide a rich, engaging, and coherent programme of study that enables children to:

• Develop a secure understanding of scientific concepts and knowledge across biology, chemistry, and physics, appreciating how science explains the world around them.
• Cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder by exploring phenomena, asking questions, and investigating ideas both locally and globally.
• Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging pupils to design experiments, analyse data, and evaluate evidence rigorously.
• Build practical enquiry skills by planning and conducting investigations, making predictions, drawing conclusions, and communicating findings effectively.

In our Early Years Science curriculum, we spark curiosity and wonder about the world around us. Through hands-on exploration, playful investigation, and asking questions, children develop confidence, creativity, and a love of discovering how things work. We aim to nurture inquisitive learners who are excited to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world from the very start.

Implementation

To achieve our intent, we implement a dynamic and engaging Science curriculum that is well-structured progressive, and designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of scientific discovery. The curriculum ensures pupils develop secure scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through practical, inquiry-based learning experiences. Key elements include:

• Curriculum Design

The Science curriculum follows a clear progression framework that builds on prior learning and develops both knowledge and skills systematically across all year groups. Scientific themes are revisited and deepened over time, supporting long-term retention and conceptual understanding. In Early Years, children explore the world through play, observation, and discussion - developing curiosity about natural phenomena and the environment.

• Teaching Strategies

Lessons are characterised by practical, hands-on learning, including experiments, investigations, and demonstrations. Teachers use a variety of approaches such as questioning, modelling, discussions, and problem-solving activities to develop pupils’ scientific thinking. Pupils are taught to ask questions, plan and carry out fair tests, record data, and draw conclusions based on evidence. Real-world contexts are used to help pupils see how science applies to everyday life and modern society.

• Experiential Learning

Educational visits, and enrichment experiences (such as science days or visiting speakers) provide authentic opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge. Creative and collaborative projects, including building models and presenting findings, foster engagement and teamwork. In Early Years, children take part in nature walks, weather observations, and simple experiments that develop early scientific understanding.

• Adaptive Teaching

We use adaptive teaching strategies to ensure accessibility and challenge for all learners. Lessons are differentiated through scaffolding, questioning, and use of varied resources. Teachers provide additional support or extension tasks to meet individual learning needs and promote progress for all.

• Assessment and Feedback

Formative assessments are used regularly to identify misconceptions and inform teaching. Constructive feedback helps pupils reflect on their learning and refine their scientific skills. Pupil attainment and progress are tracked against National Curriculum objectives, ensuring consistency and high standards.

Impact

The impact of our science curriculum is measured through various outcomes and indicators:

• Pupil Engagement and Enthusiasm

Observations show consistently high levels of engagement in Science lessons. Pupils demonstrate curiosity, excitement, and motivation, asking questions, exploring ideas, and showing a genuine interest in discovering how the world works.

• Knowledge Retention and Understanding

Assessment data indicates that pupils consistently meet or exceed age-related expectations. Pupils demonstrate a secure understanding of key scientific concepts across biology, chemistry, and physics, and can apply their knowledge to new contexts, often making connections to prior learning.

• Skills Development

Pupils leave St Thomas’ with well-developed scientific skills, including observation, investigation, critical thinking, and analysis. They can plan and carry out experiments, record data accurately, and draw evidence-based conclusions, demonstrating their ability to work scientifically.

In Early Years, children show an emerging understanding of the natural world through exploration, hands-on activities, and simple investigations, laying the foundation for future learning.

These skills prepare pupils effectively for secondary education and beyond, enabling them to approach scientific challenges with confidence.

• Cultural Awareness and Identity

Through our Science curriculum, pupils develop a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it, which helps nurture cultural awareness and a sense of identity. Pupils explore scientific discoveries and contributions from diverse cultures and historical figures, learning that science is a global endeavor shaped by people from many backgrounds. They gain appreciation for different perspectives and ways of thinking, understanding how cultural context can influence scientific ideas and innovation. Engaging with real-world issues, such as environmental sustainability, health, and technology, encourages pupils to consider ethical, social, and cultural implications, fostering empathy and respect for others. This learning supports pupils in developing a positive sense of self as young scientists and as informed members of a diverse society.

• Community Involvement

Our Science curriculum encourages pupils to connect their learning with the local community, helping them see the relevance of science in everyday life. Pupils take part in local environmental projects, such as school gardens, litter-picking, or wildlife surveys, applying scientific knowledge to benefit their surroundings. They engage with community experts, scientists, and local organisations, gaining insight into real-world scientific work and careers. Collaborative projects with other schools or community groups help pupils develop teamwork, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility. These experiences foster practical problem-solving, awareness of local issues, and an understanding of how science can positively impact society.

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In summary, our intent, implementation, and impact statements reflect our commitment to delivering an outstanding Science curriculum that not only meets the educational standards set by Ofsted but also nurtures curious, resilient, and informed learners. Pupils are prepared to engage thoughtfully with scientific concepts, understand the world around them, and apply their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on their communities and the wider society.

Overview of Science

Progression of Skills in Science

Science in the Early Years

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), science is explored through play, hands-on experiences, and teacher led activities as part of the ‘Understanding the World’ area of learning. Children investigate the world around them by using their senses to explore different textures, sounds, smells, and tastes. They describe what they experience using rich vocabulary, such as rough, smooth, loud, or soft, and begin to notice differences and similarities between materials.

Natural materials like leaves, stones, sticks, and shells offer opportunities for children to observe, compare, and sort items by shape, size, or colour. These experiences encourage them to ask questions and develop an understanding of the natural environment. They begin to notice changes such as the seasons or the weather and use these observations to make sense of their surroundings.

Healthy living is explored through play, cooking, and physical activity. Children learn the importance of eating a balanced diet, keeping clean, and exercising regularly. They begin to understand how their bodies respond to activity and why it's important to look after themselves.

Through planting and growing, children gain an understanding of how living things develop and what they need to thrive. By watering seeds and watching them sprout, they observe growth over time and understand the role of sunlight and water in plant development.

Water play introduces scientific thinking as children explore which objects float and sink. They test ideas by using different materials and noticing how shape, size, and weight affect results. Exploring ice and melting introduces change, as children see how ice melts in the sun or how heat transforms solids into liquids, building awareness of temperature and states of matter.

Exploring forces happens naturally as children push, pull, roll, and slide objects. They begin to notice how different surfaces affect movement and how ramps or inclines change speed. Playing with magnets and building structures introduces them to early physical science.

Life cycles are explored through real experiences, like watching caterpillars become butterflies or planting seeds. These help children understand that living things grow and change, and they begin to sequence life events.

Throughout all these experiences, practitioners encourage curiosity by asking open-ended questions, providing tools like magnifying glasses and measuring cups, and allowing time for observation, prediction, and discussion. Scientific thinking is nurtured in a meaningful and age-appropriate way across the EYFS curriculum.

Achievements & Celebrations in Science