Science

At Kates Hill Primary, our science curriculum follows the National Curriculum from Reception to Year 6, building a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and physics. We have designed our curriculum, so it meets the needs of our learners and aims to foster children’s natural curiosity about the world through engaging, hands-on learning that promotes enquiry, discovery and critical thinking.

Our carefully sequenced curriculum develops progressive knowledge, practical skills and rich scientific vocabulary. We recognise science as a core subject that shapes everyday life and future innovation, and we strive to enhance every child’s science knowledge to inspire interest in STEM careers.

Through high-quality teaching, inclusive experiences and meaningful learning, we encourage children to ask questions, investigate confidently, and work collaboratively. Our pupils learn to make predictions, analyse and interpret data, and communicate their findings effectively using a range of methods including ICT and graphs.

We are committed to nurturing inquisitive, ambitious learners who enjoy science and value its role in shaping our world. By building scientific understanding and promoting safety, teamwork and independent thought, we aim to develop well-rounded individuals ready to embrace life in a diverse and ever-changing society.

At Kates Hill Primary, science is taught across all year groups through a carefully planned and progressive curriculum that follows the National Curriculum. Our approach is designed

to develop both scientific knowledge and practical enquiry skills, with a strong focus on curiosity, questioning, and hands-on exploration.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, science is introduced through the ‘Understanding the World’ area of learning. Children investigate the world through play, adult-led activities, and exploration of their environment. This lays the foundations for scientific thinking by developing early skills such as observing, predicting, questioning and comparing.

From Year 1 to Year 6, science is taught weekly using a step-by-step, sequenced curriculum that builds on prior learning and deepens understanding over time. Topics are revisited across key stages (e.g. animals including humans, materials, light) to reinforce knowledge and help children retain key concepts. Each unit introduces and reinforces key vocabulary through ‘Word of the Day’, concepts and scientific skills using a range of different activities, allowing children to connect ideas and become confident in their understanding.

Throughout all year groups, pupils are given opportunities to work scientifically by asking questions, making predictions, conducting fair tests, observing changes, gathering data and drawing conclusions. They use a variety of methods to record and present findings, including drawings, charts, and ICT, using correct scientific language and terminology.

Where appropriate, science is linked with other subjects such as maths, English and geography, helping children see the wider relevance and application of their learning. Real-life contexts, visits to places such as Dudley Zoo and Think Tank and home projects enhance our curriculum and provide memorable learning experiences. Outdoor learning plays a vital role in our science curriculum, with our forest school being used as an extended classroom for investigations and observations.

Teachers use effective assessment strategies, including flashback retrieval tasks at the start of each lesson to revisit learning from previous topics and lessons, questioning throughout, to monitor progress and address misconceptions and review activities at the end of each lesson. Learning is differentiated and scaffolds are used where needed to ensure that all children are supported and challenged appropriately. High-quality CPD in particular through the Ogden Trust supports teacher confidence and subject knowledge, ensuring consistent and high-standard delivery of science across the school.

Through our curriculum, we ensure that all children develop a secure understanding of scientific concepts and are inspired to think like scientists—curious, critical, and open to new ideas—preparing them for the next stage of their education and the wider world.

At Kates Hill Primary School, the impact of our carefully designed science curriculum is seen in the confidence, curiosity and ambition of our learners. Rooted in our school values of respect, resilience, responsibility and ambition, our science curriculum gives children the opportunities to make strong progress from their individual starting points and build a secure foundation of scientific knowledge and skills across each key stage.

Pupils leave Kates Hill equipped with the skills to think and work like scientists: they ask thoughtful questions, make predictions, set up fair tests, observe carefully, measure accurately, record and analyse data, and evaluate their findings. They understand how science relates to the world around them and how it impacts their daily lives and future.

Science at Kates Hill inspires excitement and enquiry. Pupils engage and take part in educational trips and participate in events such as science projects and competitions which enrich their understanding and broaden their science knowledge. These opportunities nurture a sense of wonder and help pupils see science as both accessible and relevant to their lives.

Through high-quality teaching, hands-on learning, and strong links to real-world contexts, we strive to create confident, articulate learners who enjoy science and are motivated to continue their scientific learning beyond primary school. Our pupils understand that science shapes the future, and we hope they are empowered to see themselves as future innovators, problem-solvers, and global citizens—ready to make a difference in an ever-changing world.

At Kates Hill Primary School, we believe that science education is a powerful tool for broadening pupils’ horizons and developing their cultural capital. Through engaging lessons, real-world connections, and enrichment opportunities, we aim to equip every child with the knowledge, experiences, and curiosity needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. 

How We Promote and Develop Cultural Capital in Science: 

• Linking Science to Everyday Life: We make explicit connections between scientific concepts and real-world applications, helping pupils understand how science shapes the world around them. 
• Celebrating Diversity in Science: We highlight contributions from scientists of different cultures, genders, and backgrounds to inspire pupils and promote inclusivity by engaging in British Science Week and competitions to encourage all children in school to carry out their own research and present learning in the form of posters, experiments etc.  
• Hands-On Experiences: Pupils engage in practical investigations, outdoor learning including forest school opportunities, and STEM activities that build problem-solving skills and confidence. 
• Enrichment Opportunities: We provide access to our innovation exchange centre where classes and groups can visit to support their learning within the science curriculum e.g. space. Children are also given opportunities to take part in competitions and learning show cases where they can present their learning with other schools within the academy.  
• Encouraging Aspirations: Through career-focused discussions and role models, we show pupils the wide range of opportunities science can offer throughout our ‘Dreaming Big’ days at the start of each year.