At Kimberley, we believe that Science provides children with the knowledge, skills and curiosity to understand the world around them and their place within it. Through a broad, balanced and engaging science curriculum, children develop a sense of wonder about natural phenomena, living things, materials and the physical world. Our curriculum is fully aligned with the requirements of the National Curriculum for Science and builds progressively from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

We aim to inspire all children to become inquisitive, confident and reflective learners who ask questions, seek evidence and think critically. Through practical investigation, exploration and discussion, pupils develop scientific knowledge alongside the skills needed to work and think scientifically.

Our science curriculum promotes our school values by encouraging children to be:

• Gracious – working collaboratively, sharing ideas respectfully and valuing the contributions of others.

• Resilient – persevering when investigations do not go as expected and learning from mistakes.

• Empathetic – understanding the needs of living things, environmental issues and the impact of human actions on others and the wider world.

• Ambitious – developing aspirations through exposure to scientific discoveries, careers and innovators, and striving to deepen their understanding.

• Thoughtful and Tolerant – considering different viewpoints, evaluating evidence fairly and respecting diverse perspectives and beliefs.

Science also provides meaningful opportunities for pupils to develop their Oracy skills. Children are encouraged to articulate observations, explain their thinking, justify conclusions and engage in purposeful scientific discussion and debate. Through structured talk, collaborative enquiry and presentation opportunities, pupils develop the confidence to communicate scientifically using increasingly precise vocabulary.

As a Rights Respecting School, we recognise that children have the right to a high-quality education (Article 28) and access to information that helps them understand the world (Article 17). Through science, pupils learn about sustainability, environmental stewardship, health and wellbeing, and their responsibilities as global citizens. They are encouraged to understand how scientific knowledge can contribute to creating a fairer, healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

Science in EYFS is delivered through the Understanding the World area of learning and is rooted in exploration, curiosity and first-hand experiences. Children are encouraged to observe, question, investigate and talk about the world around them through play-based and adult-led learning opportunities.

Children:

• Explore seasonal changes, weather, plants, animals and their local environment.

• Use their senses to investigate materials and natural phenomena.

• Ask questions and share observations through discussion and storytelling.

• Develop vocabulary to describe what they see, hear and experience.

• Learn to care for living things and their environment, fostering empathy and responsibility.

Oracy is developed through questioning, discussion, role-play and opportunities to explain discoveries. Rights Respecting themes are explored through caring for living things and understanding how everyone can help protect the environment.

Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, pupils build on their early experiences and begin to develop substantive scientific knowledge alongside foundational enquiry skills. Learning is practical, engaging and linked to real-life contexts.

Pupils:

• Study plants, animals including humans, everyday materials and seasonal changes.

• Observe closely using simple equipment.

• Perform simple tests and investigations.

• Gather and record data to answer questions.

• Use scientific vocabulary to describe observations and explain findings.

Teachers provide regular opportunities for collaborative learning, discussion and questioning, enabling children to communicate their ideas confidently. Pupils learn to listen respectfully to others, value differing viewpoints and work cooperatively, reflecting our values of graciousness and tolerance.

Links to the Rights Respecting agenda include learning about healthy lifestyles, caring for living things and understanding how environments support the wellbeing of communities.

Key Stage 2

In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their scientific understanding across biology, chemistry and physics whilst developing increasingly sophisticated enquiry skills.

Pupils:

• Plan and carry out a range of scientific enquiries.

• Make predictions and identify variables.

• Gather, record and interpret data accurately.

• Draw conclusions using evidence.

• Evaluate investigations and suggest improvements.

• Communicate findings using appropriate scientific language and methods.

Scientific enquiry is embedded throughout all units and includes observing over time, pattern seeking, identifying and classifying, comparative and fair testing, and research using secondary sources.

Oracy is a key feature of science learning in KS2. Pupils participate in scientific discussions, debates and presentations, justifying conclusions with evidence and responding thoughtfully to the views of others. This supports the development of confident communicators who can reason, explain and challenge respectfully.

Science learning encourages pupils to become responsible global citizens by exploring issues such as climate change, sustainability, biodiversity, conservation and human impact on the environment. Through these themes, children develop empathy, respect and an understanding of their rights and responsibilities towards others and the planet.

Across Kimberley Primary School

Science is taught through:

• A carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge and skills progressively from EYFS to Year 6.

• High-quality practical investigations and first-hand experiences.

• Explicit teaching and application of scientific vocabulary.

• Regular opportunities for enquiry, questioning and problem-solving.

• Meaningful links to real-world issues and STEM careers.

• Assessment for learning that informs planning and supports progress.

• Inclusive teaching approaches that enable all pupils to achieve success.

Through our science curriculum, pupils leave our school with secure scientific knowledge, strong enquiry skills, confidence in communicating their ideas and a lifelong curiosity about the world. They are equipped to be gracious, resilient, empathetic, ambitious and thoughtful citizens who understand both their rights and responsibilities in an ever-changing world.