Horsenden Primary School

Science

Our science curriculum is delivered using the Developing Experts scheme of work, which allows children to learn in an engaging and dynamic way. All science lessons feature an expert film and "Mission Assignment", with real life scientists as well as other workers in STEM careers. These experts show the application of scientific topic within their workplace and help the children to develop a knowledge of the wider world through a scientific lens.

Science is all around us and we want our children to be curious and excited to explore. Therefore, a range of hands-on, practical activities and investigations are embedded to deepen pupils understanding of science concepts. Our curriculum also reflects the diversity of scientific methods and ensures that children are exposed to fair testing, identifying, classifying, pattern seeking and observing over time.

In terms of Oracy, children are introduced to key vocabulary, known as Rocket Words, which they use throughout the unit to support their learning. They are encouraged to ask questions during lessons, fostering curiosity and deeper engagement with the topic. As part of their oracy progression, students develop the ability to ask increasingly complex questions, building on their prior scientific knowledge. After experiments or investigations, children use key vocabulary to explain their observations and understand why certain outcomes occurred.

Lessons are sequenced so that new knowledge is gradually built on prior learning, with recall questions being embedded throughout. High-quality presentations ensure substantive knowledge is taught through pictures, videos and vocabulary. Discussion prompts are also used to allow children to develop their scientific language, knowledge and understanding of interrelated scientific concepts.

Pupils begin to explore the natural world in the Foundation Stage as a part of their ‘Understanding the World’ unit. As they move into Key Stage 1 and then to Key Stage 2, key themes are built upon within the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics and over time, pupils’ knowledge and understanding is systematically developed, as is their application of scientific skills. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built on and developed from year to year, and we ensure that pupils can apply these skills when using equipment, conducting experiments, building arguments and explaining concepts confidently and continue to ask questions and be curious about their surroundings.

Educational trips and visits enrich our science curriculum and allow pupils to have first-hand experiences of their learning as well as speak to experts in their fields. Our curriculum promotes a cross-curricular approach to science, specifically English and Mathematics. Pupils use home learning as an opportunity to practice and consolidate their learning through the pupil zone on Developing Experts which includes the lesson presentations, rocket word quizzes and assessment quiz.

Curriculum Documents

Whole School Science Curriculum Map:

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Progression of Knowledge Document:

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Knowledge Organisers

Knowledge organisers capture the key knowledge and vocabulary that pupils will be taught in each unit of learning. They are used by class teachers and pupils in various ways to help pupils remember key information. Parents and carers can support pupils at home by discussing what they've been learning in science, using the knowledge organiser to guide discussions.

Science: Assessment

At Horsenden, we use a structured approach to assessing children's progress in Science. Before starting a new unit, children complete a pre-assessment to identify their existing knowledge and any gaps in understanding. Teachers use this insight to tailor lessons, explicitly addressing any gaps throughout the unit. At the end of the unit, children complete a post-assessment, which helps teachers to measure children’s progress and understanding of key concepts. This approach ensures that all children are supported in building a strong foundation in Science.