Science

The person responsible for developing Science is Mr M. Phillips

Intent

Our Science curriculum pays close attention to guidance provided by the National Curriculum sequence and content. It is infused with evidence-led practice and enriched with retrieval studies to ensure long-term retention of foundational knowledge. The foundations of our Science curriculum are cemented in the EYFS through learning within the Natural World, and People, Culture and Communities. Our ambitious interpretation of the National Curriculum places knowledge, vocabulary, working and thinking scientifically at the heart of our principles, structure and practice.

A guiding principle of our Science curriculum is that each study draws upon prior learning. For example, in the EYFS, pupils may learn about The Natural World through daily activities and exploring their locality and immediate environment. This is revisited and positioned so that new and potentially abstract content in Year 1, such as Animals, including humans, is related to what children already know. This makes it easier to cognitively process. This helps to accelerate new learning as children integrate prior understanding.

Implementation

Our science curriculum is supported by the CUSP curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced progression of substantive and disciplinary knowledge from Year 1 to Year 6. Learning is organised into coherent units that enable pupils to build on prior knowledge, make meaningful connections and deepen their understanding over time.

Lessons explicitly teach scientific vocabulary, concepts and enquiry skills through a balance of direct instruction, practical investigation, discussion and retrieval practice. Regular opportunities to revisit and apply prior learning strengthen long-term memory, while carefully planned assessment informs teaching and supports progression.

Pupils develop the skills of working scientifically by asking questions, observing, investigating, analysing evidence and drawing conclusions. Practical learning is purposeful and designed to deepen conceptual understanding, ensuring all pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in science.

I​mpact

Our Science curriculum fulfils and goes well beyond the expectations of the National Curriculum as we believe there is no ceiling to what pupils can learn if the architecture and practice is founded in evidence-led principles.

Pupils leave Whiston Willis with secure scientific knowledge, a rich scientific vocabulary and the confidence to think and work scientifically. Through our carefully sequenced Science curriculum, they build and retain substantive and disciplinary knowledge, make meaningful connections across biology, chemistry and physics, and apply their learning to new contexts.

Pupils become curious, resilient learners who ask questions, investigate, reason and communicate their scientific understanding with confidence. They recognise the importance of science in everyday life and are equipped to make informed, responsible decisions as active citizens, preparing them well for the next stage of their education and beyond.

Click here to explore some of the fantastic science work throughout school.