Science

Intent

At CSPA, we provide a high-quality science education that helps children make sense of the world around them. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils build a secure understanding of biology, chemistry and physics, developing key scientific knowledge and concepts over time.

Children are encouraged to think like scientists: to observe, ask questions, recognise patterns, make predictions and explain their ideas using evidence. In doing so, they develop both an understanding of scientific knowledge and how science works in practice through enquiry and investigation.

By learning about important scientific ideas and the work of significant scientists, pupils begin to understand how science has shaped the world and continues to impact their lives today.

Science is taught as a distinct subject to ensure depth of understanding, while meaningful links are made where appropriate. More than anything, we aim to nurture curiosity, excitement and a lasting sense of wonder about the natural world.

Implementation:

Science is taught in line with the National Curriculum (2014), through clearly structured units across biology, chemistry and physics.

Learning is carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge and is revisited regularly to support long-term understanding. Each unit begins with opportunities to recap and assess what pupils already know.

Working scientifically is embedded throughout, with children engaging in a range of enquiries, investigations and practical activities. Pupils are taught to use accurate scientific vocabulary and communicate their ideas clearly.

Assessment is ongoing within lessons through questioning, discussion and written responses. This is used to identify misconceptions and inform next steps in teaching.

Teaching is supported by clear planning and resources to ensure consistency and strong subject knowledge across the school. Lessons are adapted to ensure all pupils can access and succeed in science.

Opportunities are provided, where possible, to enrich learning through practical experiences, themed days and cross-curricular links, particularly with maths and computing.

Impact

Children leave CSPA with a secure and developed understanding of key scientific knowledge and skills.

They are able to think scientifically: this includes asking questions, making predictions, carrying out investigations and explaining their ideas using appropriate vocabulary. Pupils can record, interpret and draw conclusions from data, and understand how to carry out a fair test.

Over time, children retain key knowledge and are able to make links across different areas of science. They develop confidence in using scientific language and in explaining how and why things happen.

Children also develop curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject, recognising the importance of science in their everyday lives and future learning.

Teachers are confident in delivering the curriculum, resulting in consistent, high-quality science teaching across the school.