Science

Curriculum Intent

At Byron Primary School, we recognise that science plays a vital role in understanding the world around us and preparing children for the future. Our aim is to develop pupils’ natural curiosity, encourage them to ask questions and inspire a lifelong love of scientific discovery.

Beginning in EYFS and continuing through to Year 6, pupils build secure scientific knowledge alongside the skills needed to work and think like scientists. Through the study of biology, chemistry and physics, children learn to observe, investigate, predict, test, analyse and draw conclusions using evidence. They progressively develop their Working Scientifically skills so that they can ask questions, plan enquiries, gather evidence and communicate their findings with increasing confidence and accuracy.

Our curriculum develops both substantive scientific knowledge and the disciplinary knowledge needed to work scientifically. Pupils learn to investigate, evaluate evidence, identify patterns, draw conclusions and explain their thinking using increasingly precise scientific vocabulary. Carefully sequenced learning enables pupils to build on prior knowledge, make connections across different areas of science and develop a deeper understanding of key concepts over time.

Science makes an important contribution to Byron’s values of Respect, Aspire and Succeed. Pupils learn to respect the natural world and understand their responsibility in caring for the environment. Through learning about scientists, inventors and scientific innovations, children are encouraged to aspire and recognise the possibilities available to them in the future. They succeed by developing the knowledge, confidence and resilience needed to investigate, problem-solve and think critically.

Our science curriculum also supports pupils in becoming responsible local and global citizens. Through learning about sustainability, habitats, climate change, energy and conservation, children develop an understanding of how their actions can affect the world around them. We want pupils to leave Byron with a strong understanding of science, a curiosity about the world and an appreciation of the role science plays in improving lives and shaping the future.

Curriculum Implementation

In EYFS, children begin to develop scientific understanding through Byron’s bespoke curriculum and the Understanding the World area of learning. Through exploration, observation, discussion and play, children investigate living things, materials, seasonal change and the natural environment. Rich outdoor learning experiences encourage curiosity and questioning, while high-quality texts help develop vocabulary and understanding. Children learn to care for plants and animals, explore changes in the natural world and begin to make sense of how things work.

From Year 1 to Year 6, science is taught weekly through a carefully sequenced curriculum that meets the requirements of the National Curriculum. Learning is organised to build progressively on prior knowledge, ensuring that children develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts and working scientifically skills over time.

Scientific enquiry and Working Scientifically skills are threaded throughout the curriculum. Pupils progressively develop their ability to ask questions, make predictions, identify variables, carry out fair tests, observe over time, gather and analyse data, and use evidence to support their conclusions. Practical investigations are central to learning and provide opportunities for children to explore scientific concepts in meaningful and engaging ways.

Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout the curriculum. Retrieval practice is used regularly to help pupils remember and apply previous learning, strengthening understanding over time and enabling children to make links between different areas of science.

Teachers adapt learning to ensure that ambitious scientific knowledge is accessible to all pupils, including those with SEND and pupils who are developing proficiency in English. Practical experiences, discussion, visual resources and structured support enable all children to engage successfully with scientific learning.

Science is enriched through educational visits, visitors, STEM opportunities, Forest School experiences and themed events such as engineering and space activities. These experiences help children understand the relevance of science beyond the classroom and develop an awareness of future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Children also learn about environmental responsibility through topics linked to conservation, sustainability and the impact humans have on the world. Opportunities to care for school grounds, plants, habitats and wildlife help pupils develop respect for their local environment and understand the importance of protecting it for future generations.

Curriculum Impact

By the end of Year 6, pupils will have developed secure scientific knowledge and a strong understanding of the key concepts taught throughout the primary curriculum. They will be able to apply their knowledge across different areas of science and use scientific vocabulary confidently and accurately.

Pupils will be able to:

• Recall and explain important scientific knowledge and concepts.
• Ask scientific questions and investigate them using appropriate methods.
• Make predictions and draw conclusions based on evidence.
• Select, record and present data appropriately.
• Use scientific vocabulary accurately when discussing and explaining ideas.
• Apply previous learning to new scientific situations and problems.
• Recognise the importance of science in everyday life and the wider world.

As a result of their learning, pupils develop curiosity, confidence and resilience as learners. They understand the importance of evidence in developing scientific understanding and are able to communicate their ideas clearly and thoughtfully.

Pupils demonstrate Byron’s values of Respect, Aspire and Succeed by caring for the environment, showing ambition for their future and approaching challenges with confidence and determination. They understand how science helps us understand and improve the world and recognise the role they can play in creating a more sustainable future.

Our pupils develop into responsible citizens who respect their local environment and understand the importance of protecting habitats and wildlife. They begin to recognise the impact that human actions have on the planet and understand how science can contribute to solving global challenges.

Children leave Byron as enthusiastic young scientists who are prepared for the next stage of their education, equipped with the knowledge, skills and curiosity needed to continue exploring and understanding the world around them.

Science Progression of Knowledge and skillsScience Curriculum MapScience progression of vocabulary 

Progression of Skills in Science EYFS