Science Curriculum
Overview
Science at Rathfern is inclusive, ambitious, and engaging for all. Our curriculum reflects the diversity of our community and promotes equity of access, enabling every child—regardless of background—to build scientific cultural capital and achieve their full potential.
We provide a strong foundation that prepares our pupils not only for the next stage of education, but for a future where scientific understanding is essential to navigate and shape the world.
Intent
At Rathfern Primary School school, the intent of our science curriculum is to develop pupils’ understanding of the world through a knowledge-rich, enquiry-led approach that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility.
We aim to build strong foundations in substantive knowledge (such as plants, materials, forces, and space) and disciplinary knowledge—enabling children to think and work like scientists by asking questions, conducting investigations, observing, and interpreting data. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6 to ensure progression, revisit prior knowledge, and deepen understanding over time.
Pupils are taught to use scientific vocabulary with increasing precision, and they learn to apply their knowledge in real-life contexts through hands-on experiences, STEM visitors, and purposeful links to the Sustainable Development Goals. By connecting science learning to real-world issues such as climate change, sustainability, and technological innovation, we aim to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make sense of their world—and to inspire them as the next generation of informed, environmentally aware citizens.
Implementation
At Rathfern Primary School, our science curriculum is delivered through a carefully sequenced, inclusive, and hands-on approach that ensures all pupils make meaningful progress in both scientific knowledge and skills.
We follow the National Curriculum and enhance its delivery with high-quality resources such as PLAN, Pzaz, Explorify, and materials from the Science Museum and Association for Science Education. These resources support consistent planning, ensure challenge and engagement, and reflect the diverse needs of our learners.
Curriculum planning is underpinned by a clear progression model. Teachers begin each unit by revisiting prior learning to activate retrieval and establish links to new content. Throughout lessons, formative assessment strategies—including PLAN.
Assess materials, low-stakes quizzes, and targeted questioning—help identify and address misconceptions promptly.
Building Core Science Skill
Working scientifically skills—such as planning investigations, recording observations, and interpreting results—are systematically embedded into weekly lessons.
Teachers use a dedicated skills progression document to ensure these skills are built progressively and consistently over time.
Bringing Science to Life
We prioritise practical exploration and real-world application, providing opportunities for outdoor learning and at least one science-based educational visit per year group.
This helps pupils see science as relevant and exciting while deepening their understanding through experience.
Supporting Quality Teaching
We also invest in teacher development, offering ongoing CPD, collaborative planning sessions, and access to expert guidance, enabling all staff to deliver high-quality science lessons confidently and effectively.
Phase-Specific Implementation
| EYFS | KS1 | KS2 |
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Children are introduced to early scientific ideas through structured, play-based learning linked to the Understanding the World framework.
They explore concepts like floating, sinking, and material properties in age-appropriate, exploratory contexts. |
Pupils investigate living things, materials, and simple physical processes.
They begin to use the five types of scientific enquiry—comparative and fair testing, research, observations over time, identifying and classifying, and pattern seeking—and communicate findings using simple models, drawings, and digital tools. |
Children extend their scientific understanding by connecting ideas, forming hypotheses, and conducting systematic investigations.
They explain findings using models and theories, develop advanced scientific vocabulary, and explore the impact of science and technology on society and the environment. |
Our Curriculum
Year 1 – Plants, Animals including Humans, Everyday Materials, Seasonal Changes
Year 2 – Plants, Animals including Humans, Uses of Everyday Materials, Living Things and their Habitats
Year 3 – Plants, Animals including Humans, Rocks, Light, Forces and Magnets
Year 4 – Animals including Humans, Living Things and their Habitats, States of Matter, Sound, Electricity
Year 5 – Animals including Humans, Living Things and their Habitats, Forces, Properties and Changes of Materials, Earth and Space
Year 6 – Animals including Humans, Living Things and their Habitats, Evolution and Inheritance, Light, Electricity.
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Impact
Our science curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils make strong, sustained progress from their individual starting points.
By the time they leave Rathfern, children are equipped with:
The knowledge, skills, and scientific thinking needed to understand and question the world around them. They are confident, curious learners who think and work like scientists. Pupils demonstrate a secure grasp of key concepts, effectively retain and apply scientific vocabulary, and use their understanding to explain real-world phenomena. They are able to carry out and evaluate investigations, apply enquiry methods, and draw conclusions based on evidence. We monitor the impact of our curriculum through a variety of strategies, including:
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Book looks and learning walks
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Formative and summative assessments, supported by PLAN and exemplification materials
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Pupil voice to gather insights into understanding and attitudes
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Analysis of knowledge retention through quizzes and retrieval practice
These approaches enable us to evaluate depth of understanding, identify gaps, and continuously refine our teaching to meet the needs of all learners.
Beyond academic outcomes, we foster a culture of high scientific aspiration. Our pupils understand the relevance of science in their daily lives—from personal health and sustainability to technological innovation. Through regular enrichment opportunities, such as workshops, educational visits, and interactions with real scientists, pupils broaden their horizons and discover the diversity of STEM careers.
This empowers every child to see themselves as a scientist, regardless of background or ability.
Ultimately, the impact of our science curriculum is seen in pupils who leave Rathfern with a love of learning, a respect for evidence, and the confidence and curiosity needed to contribute meaningfully to an ever-changing, scientifically driven world.
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Gallery
Pupil Voice
