Rack House Primary School

Our science curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure knowledge and skills are built over time and revisited regularly. Each unit begins with an enquiry question, designed to provoke curiosity and develop pupils’ ability to think scientifically. Children learn to hypothesise, plan investigations, analyse data and reflect on their findings, all while deepening their understanding of key scientific concepts.

‘Working scientifically’ is not taught in isolation but embedded in all learning, allowing pupils to develop enquiry, observation, pattern seeking, classification, data handling and fair testing skills across all year groups. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught, and children are encouraged to use it accurately in discussion and written work.

Pupils are supported to see science as both a body of knowledge and a method of enquiry. They explore real-world problems, engage in discussion and develop a reflective approach to learning. Our curriculum includes themes such as ecosystems, forces, materials, space, the human body and electricity, ensuring broad coverage and depth.

The curriculum is enriched with trips that support cultural capital and the application of scientific knowledge in real-life contexts — such as visits to science museums, botanical gardens, planetariums and local industries. These experiences deepen learning, highlight the relevance of science in everyday life, and inspire future aspirations.

Assessment is ongoing and purposeful, focusing on how well pupils understand and apply knowledge over time. Teachers use a range of strategies including retrieval practice, concept mapping, pupil voice and low-stakes quizzes to inform teaching and ensure progression.

By the time they leave us, pupils will:

• Have a secure understanding of key scientific ideas and vocabulary
• Be confident in posing questions, planning investigations and drawing evidence-based conclusions
• See themselves as scientists, capable of shaping and understanding the world
• Appreciate how science connects to everyday life and future careers
• Recognise the importance of science in tackling global challenges such as climate change and health

• Pupil Engagement: Children demonstrate high levels of enthusiasm for science through their participation in practical investigations, scientific dialogue and reflection on their learning.
• Progress and Achievement: Pupils achieve well, as shown through formative assessments and internal tracking, and show clear progression in both substantive knowledge and scientific enquiry.
• Scientific Thinking: Pupils show growing independence in using scientific methods, demonstrating critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving.
• Future Readiness: Children transition to secondary school with a solid scientific foundation, confident to explore science further in later study or as a career interest.
• Cultural and Applied Awareness: Through trips and real-world application, pupils appreciate the relevance and diversity of science and its role in culture, industry and society.