Science
Intent
At Wold Newton Foundation School, we aim to provide a broad, balanced and inclusive Science curriculum that nurtures children’s natural curiosity and helps them make sense of the world around them. We want pupils to develop a secure understanding of key scientific ideas while building the foundations for deeper learning in biology, chemistry and physics. Wherever possible, Science is taught through practical, hands‑on experiences that allow children to explore, question and investigate.
Our curriculum is designed to develop both substantive knowledge (the scientific facts, concepts and understanding) and disciplinary knowledge (how scientific knowledge is generated through enquiry). Pupils learn to ask questions, make predictions, observe closely, analyse results and draw conclusions. We encourage children to use Science to explain everyday phenomena and to apply their learning across the curriculum—particularly through mathematics and English.
We also aim to help pupils understand the role of Science in society. Through discussion of real‑world issues, including environmental and social challenges, children learn how scientific thinking can contribute to solutions and positive change.
Implementation
Science is taught through a carefully sequenced two‑year cycle, guided by our Science progression documents. This ensures that pupils build knowledge and skills progressively and revisit key concepts over time. We explicitly teach both substantive and disciplinary knowledge, ensuring equal coverage of the five types of scientific enquiry:
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Observing over time
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Identifying, classifying and grouping
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Pattern seeking
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Comparative and fair testing
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Research using secondary sources
Pupils are encouraged to ask “big questions,” interrogate data and explore scientific ideas with increasing independence. Reading and vocabulary development are central to our approach, as scientific language helps pupils articulate their thinking clearly and accurately. Vocabulary is introduced progressively across the school, supported by our vocabulary progression document.
Learning is enriched through fieldwork, outdoor learning and educational visits, giving pupils opportunities to apply their scientific understanding in real contexts. We also plan topics that encourage children to consider how Science relates to social, economic and environmental issues, helping them develop informed predictions and thoughtful solutions.
Impact
By the end of each key stage, pupils will know more, understand more and remember more about Science. They will be able to describe the world around them using scientific ideas and processes, and they will use technical vocabulary accurately and confidently. Pupils will also be able to apply skills from other subjects—such as data handling, measurement and explanation—to deepen their scientific understanding.
Over time, children develop a secure grasp of how scientific knowledge is built and refined. They learn to evaluate evidence, consider implications and apply their understanding to new situations. We see the impact of our curriculum through pupils’ enthusiasm, confidence and curiosity when investigating scientific questions, as well as their ability to transfer their learning to other areas of the curriculum.
