“A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.”

The Primary National Curriculum 2014

Intent

At Windermere Primary School, our science curriculum fosters curiosity, exploration, and a love for discovery. We aim to develop confident, inquisitive learners who question the world around them and think scientifically. Through hands-on investigations and real-world applications, we inspire children to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and future innovators.

Implementation

Our science curriculum is designed to develop a deep understanding of the world by equipping children with essential knowledge, scientific enquiry skills, and the ability to apply their learning in different contexts. We encourage curiosity by providing exciting investigations that promote questioning, observation, and reasoning. Pupils learn to work scientifically by planning experiments, testing ideas, recording results, and drawing conclusions. Our curriculum also promotes cross-curricular links, integrating science with technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to provide a well-rounded education.

The curriculum follows an approach that builds on prior learning and deepens knowledge over time. Through hands-on experiments, outdoor learning, and real-world investigations, children develop a strong foundation in scientific enquiry.

In EYFS, pupils explore the world around them through play, sensory experiences, and simple investigations. As they start KS1, they begin to ask scientific questions, carry out simple experiments, and observe changes in living things, materials, and forces. As they progress through KS2, children develop more advanced enquiry skills, conducting fair tests, recording data systematically, and drawing conclusions based on evidence. They study key disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and physics, learning about the human body, ecosystems, materials, energy, and forces in increasing depth. This structured approach ensures that all pupils leave primary school with a secure scientific foundation and a natural curiosity about the world.