What do we want children to learn?

At Ashbury CE Primary School, we aim to inspire future scientists of our world by encouraging questioning, investigating and experimenting of ideas and knowledge about the physical world. We strive for children to actively explore and question the world around them, in order for them to purse their own scientific answers that they challenge themselves to find, deepening their understanding of the ever-changing world in which we live. Knowledge of our world is central to the science curriculum and children will have the opportunity to learn new information, build and extend upon existing knowledge, as well as develop their understanding of scientific concepts and key vocabulary. Developing children as scientists through the provision of an inspiring, stimulating and challenging science curriculum, enables children to: experience purposeful hands-on activities in a responsible way; develop critical thinking skills; persevere through enquiry-based learning; become equipped with a range of working scientifically skills; and foster a sense of wonder about natural phenomena. It will also provide a framework for both individual and group work, encouraging children to share their understanding and opinions which will build on the ideas of others

How do we teach Science?

Science is taught for an hour each week from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 2, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. Lessons are designed to encourage questioning, discussion, and active participation, allowing children to explore scientific concepts through a variety of enquiry types used across each unit. Scientific thinking is promoted at the beginning of each lesson through retrieval activities, discussions, or demonstrations. Learning is recorded in either floorbooks and in individual books in Key Stage 2. Each lesson includes two learning questions: one focused on knowledge and the other on working scientifically.

To achieve our aims in Science, lessons are thoughtfully planned using the CUSP Curriculum to ensure all children are appropriately challenged and motivated, fostering a lasting enthusiasm for science learning, as well as ensuring pupils can commit learning to long-term memory. Every lesson will focus around a learning question in order to engage and spark curiosity. Children will learn, understand and apply subject specific vocabulary. Teachers are equipped with high-quality resources that enable them to deliver practical, engaging, and active lessons, making science accessible and stimulating for all children. Staff provide ongoing support throughout each lesson, ensuring that every child feels confident to participate, explore, and achieve. Teachers explicitly model key scientific skills and introduce essential knowledge, before giving children the opportunity to practise, investigate, and develop ideas independently. This approach nurtures curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning—key values at the heart of our school. Through this shared commitment, we ensure that all children are united in a love for learning and are supported to grow and succeed together as confident, capable scientists who are equipped to understand and contribute to an ever-changing world.

On leaving Ashbury with Compton Beauchamp CofE Primary School, children will:

· Have confidence and ability to investigate science questions that have been developed through curiosity.

· Be excited and curious for learning more at secondary school

· Develop a working scientifically skill set that prepares them for the next stage of their education

· Develop a respect and love of nature and the ever-changing world in which we live

· Show an interest in science careers in our locality and beyond

Science Overview