Science

Science – Intent, Implementation and Impact Statement

Intent

At Arden Primary School, we aim to nurture curious, confident learners who develop a secure understanding of the world around them. Our science curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage questioning and help pupils make sense of the natural and physical world.

Through carefully sequenced lessons supported by the White Rose Science scheme, pupils build their knowledge progressively across the curriculum. Learning is structured so that key concepts are revisited and strengthened over time, enabling pupils to retain and apply their scientific understanding.

We want our pupils to think and work like scientists: asking thoughtful questions, exploring ideas and investigating the world around them. Through our work with Voice 21, pupils are encouraged to develop their Oracy skills, allowing them to discuss scientific ideas, articulate their thinking and use precise scientific vocabulary with confidence.

We are committed to raising aspirations for all pupils. By providing engaging learning experiences and opportunities to explore science in meaningful contexts, we aim to foster a genuine enthusiasm for science and help children recognise the exciting possibilities it offers for their future.

Implementation

Science learning begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage through the Understanding the World strand of the EYFS framework. Children are given opportunities to explore, observe and investigate people, places, technology and the natural environment through play-based learning. Skilled adult interaction supports this exploration, encouraging curiosity, discussion and early scientific thinking.

In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, science is taught through the topics outlined in the National Curriculum:

• Year 1 – Plants, animals including humans, everyday materials and seasonal changes
• Year 2 – Living things and their habitats, plants, animals including humans and uses of everyday materials
• Year 3 – Plants, animals including humans, rocks, light and forces and magnets
• Year 4 – Living things and their habitats, animals including humans, states of matter, sound and electricity
• Year 5 – Living things and their habitats, animals including humans, properties and changes of materials, Earth and space and forces
• Year 6 – Living things and their habitats, animals including humans, evolution and inheritance, light and electricity

Lessons are carefully structured using the White Rose Science scheme, ensuring learning is thoughtfully sequenced so pupils build upon prior knowledge. Opportunities for retrieval and recall are embedded within lessons to help pupils revisit previously taught content, strengthening understanding and supporting long-term retention.

Pupils are taught how to work scientifically through activities that develop their ability to observe closely, ask questions, make predictions, plan investigations, record results and draw conclusions based on evidence. These skills are introduced in Key Stage 1 and are developed and refined throughout Key Stage 2.

Oracy plays an important role in science learning at Arden Primary School. Through our work with Voice 21, pupils are given regular opportunities to discuss ideas, explain their reasoning and engage in purposeful scientific dialogue with their peers.

We also seek to provide memorable enrichment experiences that spark enthusiasm for science. Last summer, pupils took part in a cross-curricular Maths and Science Day, engaging in practical investigations and problem-solving activities that linked both subjects. This exciting event proved highly engaging for pupils and will continue as an annual opportunity to celebrate and explore science across the curriculum.

To encourage an appreciation of the natural world, the school is developing a forest school area where pupils can learn to understand life processes while fostering responsibility and care for the environment.

In our Saplings provision, pupils develop their understanding of the world through a range of carefully planned sensory experiences tailored to their individual needs.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Arden Primary School, they will have developed a secure understanding of the key scientific knowledge outlined in the National Curriculum.

Through carefully sequenced learning and regular opportunities to revisit and consolidate prior knowledge, pupils retain important scientific concepts and develop deeper understanding over time. They can also apply their learning, ask thoughtful questions and approach investigations with curiosity and confidence.

Pupils will also develop the ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly and effectively, using appropriate vocabulary and reasoning to explain their thinking.

Ultimately, our pupils leave Arden Primary School with curiosity, confidence and aspiration. They are equipped with the knowledge, skills and enthusiasm needed to succeed in secondary science and to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.