Science at Manuden Primary School

A small school with big ideas… Growing hearts, Growing minds, Growing dreams!

Our Intent

At Manuden Primary School, we believe that science plays a vital role in helping children understand the world around them. Our science curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage questioning, and develop children’s understanding of the natural and physical world.

Through engaging and practical learning experiences, we aim to nurture confident, inquisitive learners who enjoy investigating, exploring ideas and thinking like scientists. Science supports our vision of growing hearts, growing minds and growing dreams, enabling pupils to develop a sense of wonder about the world and an understanding of how science impacts everyday life.

Rationale

Science enables children to ask questions, explore ideas and develop explanations about the world around them. Through the teaching of biology, chemistry and physics, pupils build a secure body of knowledge alongside the skills required to investigate and solve problems.

At Manuden, we aim to develop pupils who are curious, reflective and capable of thinking critically. Children learn to observe closely, test ideas, analyse evidence and communicate their findings using scientific language.

Ambition

From the Early Years through to Year 6, our ambition is for all pupils to develop a strong foundation of scientific knowledge alongside the skills needed to work scientifically.

By the time pupils leave Manuden Primary School, they will:

• Have a secure understanding of key scientific concepts

• Be able to ask questions and carry out simple investigations

• Use scientific vocabulary accurately

• Explain their thinking and draw conclusions from evidence

• Understand how science influences the world around them

We want every child to see themselves as a scientist and feel confident exploring the world with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Our Implementation

At Manuden Primary School, science is taught through carefully planned units that ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum.

Planning and Curriculum Structure

Teachers use the Grammarsaurus science curriculum to support planning and ensure that lessons are well-sequenced and build on prior learning across the school. The scheme maps knowledge and concepts carefully so that pupils can progressively develop their scientific understanding over time.

Through this approach, teachers are able to deliver lessons that develop both scientific knowledge and enquiry skills, allowing pupils to explore scientific ideas through investigation and discussion.

Working Scientifically

A key focus of science teaching at Manuden is the development of working scientifically skills. Pupils are encouraged to:

• Ask questions and make predictions

• Plan and carry out investigations

• Observe and measure carefully

• Record results in different ways

• Draw conclusions based on evidence

Practical investigations and hands-on learning help pupils develop a deeper understanding of scientific ideas and processes.

Vocabulary and Knowledge

Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout each unit. Knowledge organisers and retrieval activities help pupils to remember and apply important scientific knowledge, ensuring learning is retained and built upon.

Assessment

Assessment in science takes place through a combination of:

• Ongoing formative assessment during lessons

• Retrieval activities and quizzes

• End-of-unit assessments

• Teacher observations and discussions with pupils

This allows teachers to identify gaps in understanding and adapt teaching to meet the needs of all learners.

Enrichment and Engagement

At Manuden, we aim to make science exciting and meaningful. Wherever possible, learning is enriched through:

• Practical experiments and investigations

• Outdoor learning opportunities

• Links to real-world scientific developments

• Cross-curricular connections

These experiences help pupils develop a genuine enthusiasm for science and understand its relevance beyond the classroom.

Science in the Wider Curriculum

Science learning is embedded across the curriculum to help pupils make connections between subjects and apply their knowledge creatively. Examples include:

• Mathematics – measuring, recording and interpreting data from experiments

• Computing – using digital tools to collect, analyse and present results

• English – reporting on investigations and presenting findings using scientific vocabulary

• Art and Design – creating models or diagrams of scientific concepts

• Geography – exploring habitats, weather, and environmental changes

This cross-curricular approach ensures science is relevant, engaging, and connected to the world beyond the classroom.

Enrichment and Engagement

We aim to make science exciting and memorable through:

• Practical experiments and investigations

• Outdoor learning opportunities and nature studies

• Visits to science centres, museums and local environments

• Links to current scientific developments and discoveries

These experiences inspire curiosity and a love of learning, encouraging pupils to see themselves as young scientists.

The Impact of Our Science Curriculum

By the time pupils leave Manuden Primary School, they will:

• Have a secure understanding of key scientific concepts across biology, chemistry, and physics

• Be able to plan and carry out investigations independently

• Use scientific vocabulary accurately when explaining their ideas

• Analyse evidence and draw conclusions confidently

• Be curious, reflective, and capable of thinking critically about the world around them

Pupils leave Manuden as confident, inquisitive and resilient learners, ready to apply their scientific knowledge and skills in the next stage of their education and in everyday life.