Science
Our Science subject lead is Mrs Warnes.
“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” – Carl Sagan
Intent
At Upperby Primary School, we aim to develop our pupils as scientists who enjoy the subject and remember the exciting science they experience in school. We want pupils to recognise the importance of science in their everyday lives and understand the wide range of career opportunities that use scientific skills.
Our curriculum increases pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the world while developing science as a process of enquiry. We aim to provide pupils with the confidence and motivation to continue developing their skills as they progress through their education. By nurturing natural curiosity, we encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment, while supporting pupils to be reflective and critical when evaluating evidence.
Implementation
At Upperby Primary School, we use a range of high-quality resources, including the Developing Experts scheme, to plan lessons and ensure pupils learn and retain key knowledge throughout the programme of study. Scientific vocabulary is carefully mapped using our knowledge and skills progression document, ensuring pupils are exposed to year-group-specific language. Pupils are expected to use this vocabulary both verbally and in written form to discuss, reason, and communicate scientifically.
Lessons incorporate a balance of Working Scientifically skills and a range of scientific enquiry types, allowing pupils to practise a broad set of skills across the curriculum. We promote an investigative approach through regular hands-on experiences, including outdoor learning that makes use of our local area. Science is integrated across the curriculum where appropriate, linking with other subjects and enriched through themed days, events, and educational visits.
Pupils work collaboratively and scientifically, developing resilience, determination, perseverance, communication, collaboration, and questioning skills. Lessons combine content knowledge with investigation skills so pupils can solve problems, make predictions, and draw conclusions based on evidence. Opportunities are also provided to apply mathematical and literacy skills within science, strengthening reasoning and problem-solving. By linking scientific concepts to everyday life, pupils develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and acquire transferable skills that prepare them well for secondary education.
Impact
Pupils’ engagement is evident through their enthusiasm for learning, pride in their work, and positive learning behaviours. Children enjoy science, which is reflected in strong attendance and participation. They understand how their scientific knowledge connects to the wider world and why it is important.
Pupils can demonstrate their understanding through pupil voice, written work, and across wider curriculum subjects. They confidently articulate ideas using subject-specific vocabulary and apply scientific enquiry skills to solve new problems, explaining clearly how and why they reached their conclusions.
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Developing Experts
Developing Experts is a complete curriculum programme that suits the needs of our children. At the start of every lesson, it explains key vocabulary that children will discover. The lessons are interactive and allow progression, not only through the unit of lessons, but within the lesson.
It provides a growing library of interactive, online lessons with practical investigations, handouts and assessment quizzes fully mapped against the National Curriculum.
Children can use the knowledge organisers to support their learning of knowledge, skills and vocabulary throughout each unit.
Lessons come with experts from university and industry and are narrated with unforgettable stories - told through stunning images and videos supporting the importance of Cultural Capital.
Reception have been growing their own plants and learning about what they need to survive.
Year 1 and 2 are currently learning about what animals and humans need to survive.
Year 3 and 4 have been learning about battery and mains-powered objects and investigating how to create a simple electrical circuit.
Year 5 have completed many investigations and used a range of skills from across the curriculum within their Science work
Year 6 have completed many enquiries to find the answers to their scientific questions
