At Churcham Primary School, Science is taught as a subject that inspires curiosity, deep thinking and a love of discovery. Our curriculum is designed to help pupils understand the world around them through hands‑on investigation, high‑quality teaching and rich scientific discussion.
We want every child to feel confident, valued and capable of becoming a scientist — one who asks questions, explores ideas and seeks to understand why things happen.
Our Science curriculum is crafted to ignite curiosity and develop strong scientific enquiry skills. As stated in our curriculum document, “We thrive to nurture our children to be well‑versed in scientific vocabulary and concepts… igniting a sense of wonder.”
We aim for pupils to:
Ask thoughtful questions to deepen understanding
Make predictions using prior knowledge
Observe and measure accurately
Plan enquiries and record findings clearly
Interpret results and draw meaningful conclusions
Evaluate their own and others’ scientific ideas
We believe Science is not only knowledge, but also “the acquisition of concepts, skills and positive attitudes.” Every child’s scientific path is valued, cultivated and encouraged.
Science is taught through Plymouth Science, our carefully selected scheme that ensures full National Curriculum coverage, clear progression and a strong balance of practical and written learning.
Key features of our implementation include:
Children are regularly involved in practical investigations, fair testing and hands‑on exploration. They learn not just what happens, but why — developing reasoning skills and scientific thinking.
Lessons begin with recapping prior learning and key vocabulary. New concepts are introduced through clear visual inputs (e.g., PowerPoints), teacher modelling and high‑quality questioning.
Plymouth Science provides structured units with opportunities for both practical enquiry and written outcomes, ensuring pupils can demonstrate understanding in multiple ways.
Science learning connects with:
Maths (calculating results, measuring)
Geography (area, environmental study)
Oracy (discussion, sharing findings)
Quality first teaching adapted for all learners
Active, engaged pupils exploring scientific ideas
High‑quality questioning to deepen understanding
Recap of previous learning and vocabulary
Clear learning objective shared and revisited
Practical or written activity to apply knowledge
Plenary to consolidate new concepts
Our Science curriculum is fully adaptable to support SEND and disadvantaged pupils.
Adaptations include:
Chunked instruction
Pre‑teaching vocabulary
Visual inputs
Scaffolded written tasks
Practical alternatives
Revisiting and consolidating learning
Correct scientific terminology used consistently
Front covers showing learning and concepts
Accessible, organised resources
Updated working walls
Scientific focus shared and referred to throughout
The impact of our Science curriculum is monitored through:
Book looks
Lesson observations
Pupil voice
Our newly adapted assessment platform
By the end of KS2, pupils leave Churcham with:
A breadth of scientific knowledge
Confidence using scientific vocabulary
Strong enquiry skills
A positive attitude towards investigation
The ability to talk proudly and clearly about their learning
Science helps pupils:
Understand the world around them
Think critically and logically
Ask questions and seek answers
Work collaboratively
Build resilience through investigation
Develop confidence in explaining ideas