Intent

At St Leonard’s, science is an inspiring and practical subject where children are encouraged to develop their natural curiosity: to ask questions, think independently, and find answers. Our progressive, inclusive curriculum encourages children to question the world around them, enabling each child to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry, and physics. 

As they progress through our curriculum, children will develop inquiring minds and disciplinary knowledge to work scientifically. Essential to this process is the development of scientific vocabulary, which they will be encouraged to use accurately, both in speaking and writing. As they advance, they will be able to recognise different types of scientific enquiry and plan when to use them. At every stage, children will be encouraged to communicate scientific concepts clearly and accurately, linking their understanding to the world around them, and to be inspired by the science they see happening in the real world.  

Implementation

At Leonard’s we use Kapow Primary’s Science scheme to enhance our science curriculum. It aligns with the National Curriculum by focusing on three core strands: 

• Scientific knowledge: Understanding biology (living organisms and vital processes), chemistry (matter and its properties), and physics (how the world works). 

• Working scientifically: Using scientific methods to explore and answer questions about the world. 

• Science in action: Understanding the uses and implications of science in the past, present, and future. 

The scheme follows a spiral curriculum, revisiting and deepening essential knowledge and skills as pupils progress. Engaging recall activities ensure frequent reflection on previous learning, boosting confidence for new concepts. The Science in action strand is woven throughout the scheme, making learning relevant and inspiring for future application. Cross-curricular links are embedded in each unit, helping pupils connect and apply their science knowledge in other subjects. 

Each unit covers one of the key disciplines—biology, chemistry, or physics—and the curriculum is organised into six key areas for progression: 

• Plants 

• Animals, including humans 

• Living things and habitats 

• Materials 

• Energy 

• Forces, Earth, and space 

Pupils explore knowledge and concepts through engaging activities, including the introduction of specialist vocabulary. Working scientifically skills are integrated into conceptual learning, providing relevant opportunities to develop enquiry skills through practical activities and full investigations. 

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), pupils build a foundation for science through hands-on exploration and focused observation, sparking curiosity and fostering an early appreciation for the natural world. This prepares them for more structured scientific learning in Key Stage 1. 

Each year group also has a "Making Connections" unit, which extends beyond the statutory curriculum to integrate prior knowledge and skills, offering an additional means of assessing scientific progress. 

Lessons use a variety of teaching strategies—independent tasks, group work, practical activities, creative tasks, and computer-based learning—catering to different learning styles.