Science

At Sturton-by-Stow Primary School, we believe that every child can be successful in science. Our aim is to inspire curiosity about the world around us by providing rich, engaging and purposeful learning experiences that develop knowledge, enquiry skills and a lifelong love of discovery. We want our children to see themselves as scientists who are confident in exploring, questioning and investigating the world through scientific thinking.

We aim to help our pupils develop a secure understanding of scientific knowledge and concepts whilst building the skills to work scientifically. Through practical investigation, observation and discussion, children learn to ask questions, make predictions, test ideas, analyse evidence and communicate their findings. This enables them to make sense of the natural and physical world, understand the impact of science on everyday life and appreciate its importance for the future.

We want our children to aim to be:

• Curious scientists who ask thoughtful questions about the world around them.
• Confident learners who enjoy investigating, exploring and discovering through practical enquiry.
• Skilled observers who use scientific equipment carefully and accurately to gather evidence.
• Critical thinkers who can make predictions, identify patterns, draw conclusions and evaluate their findings.
• Effective communicators who use precise scientific vocabulary to explain their ideas and reasoning.
• Resilient learners who embrace challenge, learn from mistakes and understand that investigations do not always produce the expected results.
• Able to apply their scientific understanding to everyday life, recognise the role of science in society and make informed decisions about the world around them.

Curriculum

Our science curriculum is carefully planned in line with the National Curriculum, ensuring clear progression via opportunities to learn through Working Scientifically. Scientific concepts are revisited and built upon, allowing children to deepen their understanding and make meaningful connections between areas of learning.

Science is taught through our six-term curriculum, with topics carefully sequenced across the academic year to ensure full curriculum coverage and progression.

Alongside our science lessons, pupils watch age-appropriate careers videos as part of our science lessons, helping children make meaningful connections between what they are learning in the classroom and a wide range of future careers. By making these connections from lessons to the real-world, we aim to inspire curiosity, raise aspirations and broaden children's horizons. 

Year 1  Year 4

Year 2 Year 5

Year 3 Year 6

Working Scientifically

Working Scientifically is woven throughout every unit of learning rather than being taught in isolation. Children develop their enquiry skills through a range of investigations including observing over time, identifying and classifying, discussion of scientific concepts, pattern seeking, comparative and fair testing, and researching. 

As pupils progress through school, they become increasingly independent in planning investigations, selecting appropriate methods, recording results and evaluating evidence. Opportunities for carrying out investigations are well designed in our curriculum, with investigative lessons spanning across multiple lessons to develop deep understanding into scientific concepts, and the importance of accuracy in research. 

Earth Term

Alongside the National Curriculum units, each year group takes part in a dedicated Earth Term, providing opportunities to explore environmental science, sustainability, climate, conservation and our local natural environment. This bespoke unit enables children to develop a deeper understanding of their role as global citizens and encourages them to care for and protect the world around them, crucial in today's world.

Within a year group's Earth Term, there have been carefully structured real-life inspirational people or organisations who are actively combatting environmental issues. This is to allow children to see the hard work of people around the world combatting the effects they're studying.