Intent

At East Acton Primary School, our aim is to provide a high-quality science curriculum that fosters curiosity, enquiry and a deep understanding of the world around us.

Our curriculum is designed to:

• Inspire pupils’ natural curiosity and encourage them to ask questions about scientific phenomena
• Develop secure scientific knowledge and understanding across biology, chemistry and physics
• Equip pupils with the skills to work scientifically, including predicting, observing, testing, analysing and drawing conclusions
• Enable pupils to make connections across concepts, subjects and real-life experiences

The curriculum is carefully sequenced and progressive, enabling pupils to build on prior knowledge year on year across the key strands of:

• Living things and their habitats
• Materials and their properties
• Physical processes

Pupils are encouraged to use precise scientific vocabulary in both spoken and written work, supporting deeper understanding over time.

As a Rights Respecting School, we ensure all pupils have access to a rich and inclusive science education, where they are encouraged to explore, question and develop their voice as young scientists.

Implementation

Our science curriculum is structured around an enquiry-based learning model, where each unit is driven by a focus question. This approach enables pupils to develop a deeper understanding of key concepts while maintaining a clear sense of purpose in their learning.

Curriculum Delivery

• Science is taught weekly across the school
• Each unit begins with a KL (Know, Learned) activity to assess prior knowledge and capture pupil voice
• Units are sequenced in line with the National Curriculum, ensuring clear progression

Teachers:

• Explicitly teach scientific vocabulary and enquiry skills
• Make clear links to prior learning and across subjects
• Use working walls and visual prompts to reinforce key concepts and skills
• Provide regular opportunities for pupils to discuss, explain and justify their thinking

Working Scientifically

A strong emphasis is placed on developing enquiry skills, including:

• Questioning and predicting
• Observing and measuring
• Gathering and recording data
• Interpreting results and drawing conclusions

Pupils are supported in identifying and applying these skills through consistent use of symbols, displays and learning objectives.

Practical and Experiential Learning

Practical, hands-on learning is central to our approach. Pupils engage in a wide range of enquiry types, including:

• Pattern seeking
• Comparative and fair testing
• Research using secondary sources
• Observational studies over time

We enhance learning through:

• Use of the outdoor environment, including our outdoor classroom and edible garden
• Planned educational visits and enrichment opportunities
• Exposure to diverse scientists and real-world applications of science

Recording and Reflection

At the end of each unit, pupils apply their knowledge to answer the focus question, demonstrating their understanding through written outcomes and discussion. This provides clear evidence of progression in both knowledge and enquiry skills.

Impact

Pupils:

• Demonstrate secure and progressive scientific knowledge
• Use scientific vocabulary accurately to explain their understanding
• Apply enquiry skills confidently to investigate and solve problems
• Make meaningful links between scientific concepts and prior learning
• Show curiosity, enthusiasm and engagement in science lessons

Assessment is ongoing and informs teaching, ensuring that:

• Gaps in knowledge are identified and addressed promptly through whole class feedback practice and quizzes 
• Pupils build on prior learning effectively
• All pupils make strong progress from their starting points

Through regular real-life application, pupils understand the relevance of science to everyday life and the wider world. They recognise the impact of science on society and the importance of innovation for the future.

Pupils are exposed to a range of diverse scientific role models, raising aspirations and helping them to see the possibilities for future careers in science.

As a result, pupils leave East Acton Primary School as curious, confident and knowledgeable learners, equipped with the skills and understanding needed for the next stage of their education and beyond.