Science
Science Curriculum (Primary)
Subject Leader: Catharine Young Email: catharine.young@northstar-academy.co.uk
At North Star 180, our Science curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils. Learning is carefully planned to be inclusive, accessible, and meaningful, supporting pupils to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding that are relevant to their lives. Through a well-sequenced and personalised approach, pupils are supported to make progress from their individual starting points, building confidence, independence, and readiness for future learning and eventually on to adulthood.
Intent
The intent of the Science curriculum in primary is to:
· Develop pupils’ understanding of the world around them through practical, hands-on, and engaging scientific experiences
· Foster curiosity, enquiry, and a positive attitude towards learning, supporting pupils to ask questions, explore, and investigate safely
· Build scientific knowledge and vocabulary progressively
· Prepare pupils for adulthood by developing independence, problem-solving skills, risk awareness, and an understanding of cause and effect in real-life contexts
The curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, ensuring all pupils can achieve and succeed regardless of need. Children have opportunities to show understanding in a variety of ways and through practical application.
Implementation
The Science curriculum in primary is implemented through:
· A clearly sequenced curriculum based on the White Rose Primary Science scheme, ensuring progression across the elements of scientific learning
· Consistent lesson structures and routines with clear expectations, modelling, visual supports, chunked instructions
· Practical, sensory, and experiential learning opportunities, including experiments, outdoor learning, exploration, and real-life investigations
· Ongoing formative assessment through observation, pupil voice, discussion, and practical outcomes, used to inform next steps. Staff use a range of strategies and resources to ensure learning is engaging, accessible, and personalised
Impact
The impact of the Science curriculum is demonstrated by:
· Pupils make positive progress from individual starting points in scientific knowledge, skills, and understanding
· Pupils applying scientific understanding to real-life contexts, such as caring for living things, understanding weather and seasons, or using materials safely
· Pupils have increased confidence, curiosity, and engagement in learning about the world they live in.
Science promotes both SMSC and British Values.
SMSC
Spiritual | Science encourages pupils to develop a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them. From exploring the human body and animal life cycles to investigating space, fossils and ecosystems, pupils reflect on the complexity of nature and their place within it. |
Moral | Pupils consider ethical issues linked to the environment, conservation, sustainability and healthy lifestyles. Learning about habitats, pollution, diet, drugs and lifestyle choices helps children understand the consequences of actions and their responsibilities towards themselves, others and the planet. |
Social | Science lessons regularly involve practical investigations, discussion and collaborative problem-solving. Pupils work together to plan experiments, collect data, share ideas and evaluate results, developing teamwork and communication skills. |
Cultural | Pupils learn about scientific discoveries that have shaped society and explore how science impacts people across different cultures and countries. Studying biodiversity, habitats and environmental issues helps pupils appreciate global interdependence and diversity within the natural world. |
British Values
Democracy | Pupils are encouraged to share ideas, make predictions and discuss conclusions respectfully. During investigations they may vote on methods, consider different viewpoints and justify decisions using evidence. |
Rule of Law | Science promotes the importance of rules through laboratory and practical safety procedures. Pupils learn that following agreed rules ensures investigations are carried out safely, fairly and effectively. |
Individual Liberty | Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, investigate their own ideas and make choices when planning enquiries. Science develops independent thinking, curiosity and confidence in expressing evidence-based opinions. |
Mutual Respect | Through collaborative investigations and discussions, pupils learn to listen to others, value different perspectives and work cooperatively. Respect for the contributions of others is central to successful scientific enquiry. |
Tolerance | Science encourages pupils to explore questions about the natural world respectfully while recognising that people may hold different beliefs and perspectives. Pupils learn to value evidence, engage in respectful discussion and appreciate diversity in thought and experience. |
