Intent 

The intent of our science curriculum is to inspire pupils' curiosity and wonder about the natural world, developing their knowledge and understanding of key scientific concepts, processes, and methods. Through the Kent scheme of work and a rich variety of practical investigations, engaging hands-on experiences, and meaningful connections to real-world applications, we aim to empower pupils to become confident, inquisitive scientists who can think critically and scientifically about the world around them.

As a member of the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM), we are committed to excellence in science teaching and learning, ensuring that science has a high profile in our school and that all pupils have access to high-quality science education.

Our curriculum is designed to:

• Develop children's scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding across biology, chemistry, and physics, building a coherent framework that enables them to explain phenomena, predict outcomes, and understand scientific principles.
• Cultivate curious investigators who can ask scientific questions, plan and carry out fair tests, make systematic observations and measurements, gather and record data, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
• Encourage pupils to work scientifically, using a range of enquiry types including pattern seeking, identifying and classifying, observation over time, comparative and fair testing, and researching using secondary sources.
• Promote scientific literacy and critical thinking through understanding the nature of science, how scientific knowledge develops over time, and the impact of science and technology on our daily lives and society.
• Build both substantive knowledge (scientific facts, concepts, and laws) and disciplinary knowledge (how scientists work and how scientific knowledge is constructed), developing skills of scientific enquiry, analysis, and communication.

We believe that science is not only a subject but a gateway to understanding the world and developing the skills needed to solve problems and innovate. Our curriculum ensures that all children, regardless of background, have access to rich scientific experiences that develop their cultural capital, critical thinking, and prepares them for future learning in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

Implementation

To realize our curriculum intent, science is delivered through the Kent Primary Science Scheme of Work 2024, which provides a carefully sequenced and inclusive programme that builds knowledge, skills, and confidence over time. The Kent Primary Science Scheme of Work is designed to follow the Kent Primary Science Scheme of Work 2024, which includes 28 units of study assigned to each year group in line with the New National Curriculum 2024. This scheme ensures that the curriculum is comprehensive and aligned with the statutory guidance, providing a structured approach to teaching science across the primary school years. Our approach ensures that all pupils regardless of background or starting point are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.

Key implementation strategies include:

• Structured progression: The Kent scheme ensures comprehensive National Curriculum coverage whilst providing clear progression of both scientific knowledge and working scientifically skills from EYFS through to Year 6.
• Enquiry-based learning: Lessons are built around scientific enquiry, with pupils engaging in hands-on, practical investigations that encourage them to work as scientists. Children experience different types of scientific enquiry including fair testing, pattern seeking, observing over time, identifying and classifying, and research using secondary sources.
• Knowledge development: Each unit develops both substantive knowledge (the scientific content) and disciplinary knowledge (understanding how science works). Knowledge organizers are shared at the start of each unit to outline key vocabulary, facts, and concepts, supporting pupils and families in understanding learning expectations and supporting home learning.
• Practical investigations: Regular practical work is central to our science curriculum, enabling pupils to experience science first-hand through experiments and investigations. Children develop skills in planning investigations, using scientific equipment safely, making accurate observations and measurements, recording results systematically, and analysing data to draw conclusions.
• Scientific vocabulary: Progressive development of scientific vocabulary runs throughout the curriculum. Pupils are explicitly taught subject-specific terminology and encouraged to use precise scientific language in their discussions, explanations, and written work, building their ability to communicate scientifically.
• Varied teaching approaches: High-quality Kent scheme lesson plans and resources provide engaging activities and differentiated materials to support different learning styles and needs. Learning is enhanced through the use of demonstrations, models, multimedia resources, and where possible, visits from STEM professionals and educational visits to science centers or outdoor environments.
• Cross-curricular links: Where appropriate, science learning is connected to other curriculum areas including mathematics (for data handling and measurement), English (for scientific writing and vocabulary), computing (for research and data presentation), and design technology (for applying scientific knowledge).
• Retrieval and assessment: Regular retrieval practice and low-stakes quizzes support pupils in retaining scientific knowledge in their long-term memory. Teachers use formative assessment throughout lessons to identify and address misconceptions, whilst end-of-unit assessments and practical observations inform future planning and identify pupils requiring additional support or challenge.
• Inclusive practice: Scaffolded support, visual aids, and extension activities ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can access practical investigations and develop their scientific knowledge and skills. Practical work is adapted as necessary to ensure all children can participate meaningfully and safely.

 Impact 

The impact of our science curriculum is evident in our pupils' enthusiasm for scientific discovery, their secure scientific knowledge, and their ability to think and work as young scientists. By the end of their time at Orion Academy, Orion Scotts Park Primary School, children leave with a comprehensive understanding of key scientific concepts and the investigative skills to continue their scientific journey.

The impact of our curriculum can be seen through:

• Secure scientific knowledge: Pupils demonstrate strong understanding of key concepts in biology (including living things, habitats, the human body, plants, and evolution), chemistry (including materials, properties, and changes), and physics (including forces, light, sound, electricity, and Earth and space). They can explain scientific phenomena using appropriate vocabulary and can apply their knowledge to new contexts and real-world situations.
• Working scientifically skills: Children confidently plan and carry out different types of scientific enquiries, including fair tests, comparative tests, and observations over time. They can identify variables, make predictions based on scientific knowledge, use a range of scientific equipment accurately, take measurements with increasing precision, and record data systematically using tables, charts, and diagrams.
• Analysis and interpretation: Pupils can analyse data and results to identify patterns, relationships, and trends. They draw evidence-based conclusions and can explain the degree of trust they have in their results. Children evaluate their investigations and can suggest improvements to their methods, demonstrating critical thinking and scientific reasoning.
• Confident communication: Pupils use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently in their discussions and writing. They can explain scientific concepts clearly, describe their investigations in detail, present findings appropriately, and communicate their understanding orally and through various written forms including reports, explanations, and diagrams.
• Scientific attitudes: Children demonstrate curiosity about the natural world and show enthusiasm for scientific discovery. They approach investigations with an open mind, show perseverance when facing challenges, recognize the importance of careful observation and accurate measurement, and understand that scientific ideas can change over time with new evidence.
• Understanding of science's impact: Pupils can articulate how science has shaped the world we live in, from medical advances to technological innovations. They understand the importance of science in addressing global challenges and show awareness of careers and opportunities in STEM fields.
• Progress and achievement: Ongoing formative assessment, practical observations, end-of-unit evaluations, pupil voice activities, and work scrutiny demonstrate that the vast majority of pupils make good or better progress in science. Evidence shows increasing depth of knowledge, sophistication of scientific thinking, and competence in working scientifically as children move through the school.
• Preparedness for the future: Our science curriculum successfully equips pupils with the foundational knowledge, skills, and passion for science needed for secondary school and beyond, ensuring they are well-prepared for future learning and can engage with scientific and technological issues as informed citizens in an ever-changing world.

EYFS