Science
Intent
At Hugh Gaitskell Primary School, we aim to develop children who are curious about the world around them and who confidently question how and why things work. This curiosity nurtures a problem-solving mindset and encourages pupils to seek ways to improve the world around them. As a result, our children leave Year 6 as strong, capable and empowered learners, prepared to make a positive impact on the world.
Through high-quality teaching, we develop and build scientific knowledge across the three core disciplines of science: biology, chemistry and physics. We continually extend pupils’ understanding of the different types of scientific enquiry, enabling them to question, explore and evaluate scientific ideas throughout their time at school and beyond.
We embed essential scientific skills that children can apply confidently in investigations and scientific processes, both now and in the future. A strong emphasis is placed on developing scientific vocabulary so that pupils can access, understand and communicate complex scientific ideas effectively.
Through a wide range of meaningful experiences, we provide an inclusive science curriculum that enables children of all abilities and backgrounds to fully engage with and immerse themselves in science. We continually foster an environment of curiosity and enquiry, where pupils are encouraged to ask questions and think scientifically.
We are committed to ensuring that no child is left behind and that every child is supported and challenged to achieve beyond expectations, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.
Implementation
Teachers have a clear understanding of the curriculum content their pupils have already covered and what they will learn in future years, supported by a whole-school curriculum overview that ensures progression and continuity.
Subject knowledge audits are used to identify areas for development within the staff team so that targeted CPD can be planned and delivered effectively.
Children are taught the full range of scientific enquiry types, with each type revisited at least once per term. As pupils move through the school, they are given increasing opportunities to select and apply appropriate enquiry methods independently to their own scientific questions and ideas.
Dedicated blocked science weeks allow pupils to engage in in-depth research and enquiry, enabling them to apply previously taught skills across a wider range of topics and to draw high-quality conclusions. Our annual Science Fair provides an opportunity for children to present and share their learning in a professional and purposeful setting.
All teachers are confident in the scientific vocabulary taught across the school and understand how each strand of science progresses from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring consistent language development and conceptual understanding.
Science lessons are practical and hands-on, making use of a wide range of resources to engage and support children of all abilities.
Each science topic includes a focus on a scientist linked to the area of study. These include modern-day scientists, both male and female, and from a wide range of backgrounds, helping children to see themselves represented in science and to understand its relevance in the modern world.
Impact
All children will leave primary school with a strong knowledge of all areas of science, preparing them well for future scientific learning. A range of teaching techniques, practical and engaging activities, and thorough coverage of the curriculum ensures that no child is left behind.
High-quality teaching is delivered by confident and knowledgeable staff, enabling pupils to develop secure scientific understanding. Children are encouraged to form their own questions, research scientific ideas and apply their learning through meaningful enquiry.
Independent, practical science during Science Week creates a positive and exciting atmosphere around science across the school. High-level scientific vocabulary is embedded through purposeful talk, which is then reflected in pupils’ written work.
Children are introduced to a wide range of scientists from different fields, backgrounds and genders, giving them diverse role models to aspire to and helping them see science as relevant and accessible to all.