Science

Intent

At St Barnabas Nursery and Primary, we want our children to be curious about the world around them and to see themselves as scientists. Our aim is for pupils to develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts, alongside the skills needed to investigate, question, observe and think critically.

We want children to build both substantive knowledge (the scientific facts, concepts and vocabulary) and disciplinary knowledge (how science works and how scientists think). This enables pupils to explain phenomena, make sense of evidence and understand how scientific knowledge has developed over time.

From Nursery onwards, we nurture children’s natural curiosity through exploration of the natural world, helping them to notice, ask questions and talk about what they observe. Our Nursery Strong Foundations approach ensures that children develop early scientific language, observation skills and an understanding of the world that prepares them well for future learning.

Our ambition is for pupils to leave St Barnabas as confident, thoughtful and knowledgeable scientists who are able to apply their learning, think hard and make meaningful connections across biology, physics and chemistry.

Implementation

Science is taught through a carefully sequenced and cumulative curriculum that builds knowledge and understanding over time. Key concepts are deliberately revisited so that pupils can strengthen and deepen their understanding and develop coherent mental models of scientific ideas.

Teaching focuses on:

• Clear identification of the core knowledge pupils need to learn in each unit

• Explicit teaching of scientific vocabulary

• Regular opportunities to work scientifically, including observing, classifying, pattern seeking, researching and fair testing

• Making connections between new learning and what pupils already know

Lessons follow a consistent sequence of Connect, Explain, Example, Attempt, Apply and Challenge, which supports pupils to build understanding step by step. Knowledge Notes are used to help pupils navigate learning, reduce cognitive load and focus attention on the most important information.

Where appropriate, Strong Start lessons introduce key scientific procedures and ways of working before pupils apply them within units. Reference lessons may also be used to ensure pupils begin from a shared point of understanding.

High quality oracy is built into science lessons. Pupils discuss ideas, explain their thinking, rehearse scientific language and present findings. This supports deeper understanding and strengthens communication skills.

Retrieval practice, including low stakes quizzing, is used regularly so that pupils revisit and remember what they have learned.

Science is meaningfully linked to reading and writing, allowing pupils to apply their knowledge through non fiction reading, explanations, reports and other written outcomes.

Impact

By the time pupils leave St Barnabas, they:

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

• Use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently

• Can plan and carry out investigations and explain what they have found

• Make connections between ideas and apply their knowledge to new contexts

• Show curiosity, resilience and enjoyment in science

Pupils see themselves as capable scientists. They leave St Barnabas with a strong foundation of knowledge, a love of discovery and the aspiration to continue exploring and understanding the world around them.