Science

Science at Checkendon Primary School

Intent: why we teach science

Our vision to unlock the unique voice within each child, fostering a lifelong aspiration of learning excellence, lies at the heart of the Checkendon Church of England (A) Primary School science curriculum. Through a broad and engaging programme of scientific enquiry, investigation, and conceptual learning, we aim to develop pupils’ knowledge, skills, and curiosity within a caring Christian community.

Rooted in our Christian values of respect, integrity, compassion, courage, and hope, we aim for every pupil to become a curious, confident, and capable scientist. Science provides the foundations for understanding the world through biology, chemistry, and physics, helping pupils explore, investigate, and explain phenomena.

Our science curriculum is designed to:

• Build secure scientific knowledge and vocabulary, sequenced progressively from Reception to Year 6.
• Develop working scientifically skills – observation, investigation, analysis, and evaluation.
• Foster curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, encouraging pupils to ask questions and find evidence-based answers.
• Ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, EAL, or disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve success alongside their peers.
• Reflect our Christian values:
  • Respect for God’s creation and the natural world
  • Integrity in testing and interpreting evidence
  • Compassion through collaboration and consideration of others’ ideas
  • Courage to explore new concepts and take investigative risks
  • Hope inspired by discovery and the potential of science to improve lives

Science equips pupils not only with knowledge and skills but also with character and resilience, preparing them to engage with the world thoughtfully and responsibly.

Implementation: how we teach science

Early Science – Reception Class

• Science is embedded in ‘The Natural World’, supporting exploration, play, and curiosity.
• Pupils develop observation, investigation, and recording skills.
• Reception and Years 1–2 visit Forest School every week, connecting outdoor learning to science enquiry and practical investigation.
• Scientific vocabulary is introduced and reinforced through structured activities and discovery play.

KS1 and KS2 progression

• We follow the White Rose Science Scheme of Work, ensuring coherent, sequenced learning and full National Curriculum coverage.
• Lessons combine knowledge and practical enquiry, building confidence in investigating, recording, analysing, and presenting results.
• Teachers use high-quality questioning to challenge thinking and encourage evidence-based reasoning.
• Working scientifically skills are embedded throughout, increasing in complexity and independence over time.
• At Checkendon, we use the “I do, We do, You do” approach to teach scientific enquiry. The teacher first models investigation techniques, observation, or analytical thinking (I do), then guides pupils through shared experiments and discussions (We do), before pupils conduct investigations or explain concepts independently (You do). This ensures all learners are supported, build confidence, and develop independence in scientific thinking, enquiry skills, and reasoning.
• Outdoor learning and Forest School experiences enrich conceptual understanding and make science real and engaging.

Inclusion and support

• Lessons are designed so that all pupils can succeed through scaffolding, peer support, and targeted interventions.
• Pupils working at greater depth are provided additional challenges, fostering ambition and resilience.
• Staff receive regular CPD to ensure confident, evidence-based teaching across all areas of science.

Assessment

• Progress is tracked using Sonar Small Steps and teacher assessment.
• Termly end of unit tests, work scrutiny, lesson observations, and pupil voice triangulate data to ensure progress.
• Gaps are identified and addressed promptly, ensuring all pupils achieve their potential.

Family and community engagement

• Parents engage through home investigations, workshops, and school science events.
• Pupils share learning via displays, presentations, and exhibitions, fostering pride, hope, and curiosity.

Impact: outcomes and evidence

Academic impact

• Pupils make strong progress in knowledge and enquiry skills, monitored through Sonar Small Steps and assessments.
• National Curriculum coverage ensures pupils meet expected standards in statutory assessments.
• Pupils with SEND, EAL, or disadvantaged backgrounds achieve progress in line with peers.

Personal development and character

• Science nurtures curiosity, reflection, and responsibility.
• Pupils develop resilience and courage, taking risks in investigation and learning from mistakes.
• Pupil voice shows confidence and pride in scientific discovery, reflecting growth as learners and as morally thoughtful members of the community.

Cultural and social impact

• Pupils connect learning to local, national, and global contexts.
• Collaboration fosters respect, teamwork, and compassion.
• Science inspires a strong sense of wonder, belonging, and purpose, reinforcing positive attitudes to learning and responsibility.

Evaluation and continuous improvement

• Data, pupil work, and feedback are reviewed termly to inform planning.
• Governors and subject leaders monitor science across the curriculum to ensure alignment with the school’s Christian vision and Ofsted 2025 priorities:
  • Quality of Education: curriculum depth and progression
  • Behaviour and Attitudes: engagement, motivation, curiosity
  • Personal Development: character, values, moral responsibility
  • Leadership and Management: inclusion, staff expertise, curriculum intent