At our school, science is an exciting journey of discovery, helping children to understand the world around them.
We want children to enjoy exploring how things work, why things happen and how living things survive and grow. We encourage children to be curious scientists who ask questions, share ideas and investigate the world through observation and experimentation. Our science curriculum develops pupils’ understanding through four key concepts: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Working Scientifically. Through these areas, children explore living things, materials, forces, energy and the natural world, developing the knowledge and skills to make sense of scientific ideas.
We bring science to life through exciting investigations, outdoor learning, visitors, workshops and practical experiences. Children might investigate habitats in the school grounds, explore how materials change, test the effects of forces or discover how light and sound behave. These memorable experiences help pupils connect scientific concepts to everyday life and understand how science influences the world around them.
Hands-on learning is at the heart of our science teaching. Pupils are encouraged to observe closely, ask questions, make predictions, carry out investigations and interpret their findings. Through Working Scientifically, they develop the skills to plan fair tests, collect and record data, identify patterns and draw conclusions based on evidence. Children learn that science is not simply about knowing facts; it is about questioning, testing ideas and using evidence to develop a deeper understanding of the world.
As children move through the school, they revisit and build upon their prior learning, developing increasingly secure scientific knowledge and understanding. They make connections between Biology, Chemistry and Physics, recognising how scientific concepts link together and apply to real-life situations. They also develop their ability to think critically, solve problems and explain scientific ideas using increasingly precise vocabulary.
By the time pupils leave our school, we want them to have a strong foundation of scientific knowledge, confidence in thinking and working like scientists, and a lifelong curiosity that inspires them to ask questions, investigate possibilities and explore the world around them.
At Darton Primary School, our Science curriculum aims to inspire children to develop a lifelong curiosity about the natural world and an understanding of the role science plays in everyday life. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils build secure knowledge and understanding across four key concepts: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Working Scientifically. They explore living things and their habitats, the properties and changes of materials, forces, energy and other physical phenomena, developing their knowledge progressively as they move through the school.
We aim to develop curious, knowledgeable and confident young scientists who ask meaningful questions, make predictions, investigate ideas and use evidence to explain what they observe. Through practical investigations, experimentation and enquiry, pupils develop the skills to plan tests, make careful observations, gather and interpret data, identify patterns and draw evidence-based conclusions. Our curriculum encourages children to make connections between scientific concepts, apply their learning to real-world contexts and recognise how scientific discoveries have helped shape our lives and continue to influence the future.
Through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, including outdoor exploration, investigations and collaborative problem-solving, pupils develop the confidence to think critically, challenge their own ideas and communicate scientific understanding clearly. Our curriculum reflects our school values of inclusion, positivity, kindness, respect, honesty and curiosity, ensuring that every child is supported to develop their scientific knowledge, practical skills and enthusiasm for discovery.
Ultimately, we want our children to leave Darton Primary School with a strong foundation of scientific knowledge, the confidence to investigate questions and explain their thinking using evidence, and a curiosity that inspires them to continue exploring the world around them, ready to Aim High, Work Hard, Achieve Together.
Our science curriculum is designed to ensure that all children develop a secure and progressive understanding of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. As a mixed-age primary school, science is taught through a carefully planned two-year cycle, ensuring full coverage of the National Curriculum while allowing pupils to build upon prior learning and revisit key concepts in increasing depth. The HCAT progression documents provide clear progression across each discipline, enabling knowledge and skills to develop systematically over time.
Science is taught as a discrete subject and is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, confidence and aspiration. Through a rich and engaging curriculum, pupils develop the scientific knowledge and enquiry skills needed to understand the world around them and thrive in the 21st century.
Teaching is underpinned by the Accelerated Learning Cycle, based on the work of Alastair Smith, which promotes a supportive yet challenging learning environment. Lessons encourage active participation through practical, hands-on experiences, collaborative learning and multi-sensory approaches. Pupils are given opportunities to demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways, revisit key concepts and consolidate learning over time.
Curriculum organisers support teachers in planning and delivering well-sequenced lessons that develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts and their real-world applications. Learning is carefully structured within the two-year cycle to build on prior knowledge, strengthen understanding and support long-term retention.
Formative assessment is an integral part of every lesson, enabling teachers to identify misconceptions, adapt teaching and provide appropriate challenge and support. Through questioning, observation and feedback, learning is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils. Summative assessment is carried out using Insights, alongside regular monitoring of curriculum coverage and pupil outcomes to identify gaps in learning and inform future teaching.
At DPS, science is delivered through knowledge-rich and practical units of work that have been carefully designed by science and curriculum leaders. Pupils are encouraged to think scientifically, ask questions, investigate ideas and apply their learning in a range of contexts. Through this approach, children develop both substantive scientific knowledge and disciplinary enquiry skills, preparing them to become inquisitive, informed and responsible citizens. By revisiting and extending learning across the two-year cycle, pupils gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for future learning and everyday life.
14642875251230841097HCAT Science Curriculum - Biology 6996898931691938508HCAT Science Curriculum - Chemistry 7766767502577550362HCAT Science Curriculum - Physics 290301469435101607HCAT Science Curriculum - Working Scientifically