At Birch Hill Primary School, we believe that science should inspire curiosity, creativity and a lifelong interest in understanding the world around us. We aim to provide a high-quality science education that develops children's scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding and enquiry skills through practical, hands-on experiences.

Science is accessible to all children regardless of age or ability. We encourage children to think critically, ask questions, make predictions, investigate ideas and draw conclusions based on evidence.

By providing opportunities to work scientifically and explore real-world scientific concepts, we aim to develop confident learners who understand the importance of science in everyday life and its role in shaping our future.

Our curriculum is enriched through partnerships and projects, such as working with local organisations and engaging in environmental initiatives, helping children experience science beyond the classroom.

National Curriculum Aims

The National Curriculum for Science aims to ensure that all children:

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
• Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of scientific enquiry.
• Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science today and in the future.

Implementation

Our science curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively from Early Years through to Year 6.

Teaching is centred around scientific enquiry, encouraging children to become curious and confident investigators. Children are taught to:

• Ask scientific questions.
• Make predictions.
• Plan and carry out investigations.
• Observe and measure accurately.
• Record and present findings.
• Analyse evidence.
• Draw conclusions and evaluate results.

Children develop their understanding through the study of:

Biology

• Living things and their habitats
• Plants
• Animals, including humans
• Evolution and inheritance

Chemistry

• Everyday materials
• Properties and changes of materials

Physics

• Light
• Sound
• Forces and magnets
• Electricity
• Earth and Space

Climate Change and Environment 

• Reducing climate change
• Landfill reduction 
• Energy consumption  

Working Scientifically

Throughout their time at Birch Hill, children develop key scientific enquiry skills by:

• Observing over time
• Pattern seeking
• Identifying, classifying and grouping
• Comparative and fair testing
• Research using secondary sources

These skills enable children to think and work like scientists while developing resilience, independence and critical thinking.

Science Beyond the Classroom

We enhance our science curriculum through a range of enrichment opportunities, including:

• STEM projects and challenges
• Environmental and sustainability initiatives
• Partnerships with local businesses and organisations
• Gardening and outdoor learning projects
• Science Week activities and investigations

These experiences help children understand how science influences the world around them and inspire future aspirations.

Impact

Our science curriculum helps children develop a secure understanding of scientific knowledge and the skills needed to think and work like scientists. Through practical enquiry and investigation, children build their understanding of biology, chemistry and physics while developing curiosity, resilience and critical thinking.

By the end of Year 6, children are able to:

• Demonstrate a secure understanding of key scientific concepts across biology, chemistry and physics.
• Use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently to explain ideas and observations.
• Ask scientific questions and make predictions based on their prior knowledge.
• Plan and carry out investigations using a range of scientific enquiry skills.
• Collect, present and interpret data appropriately.
• Analyse evidence and draw reasoned conclusions using scientific knowledge.
• Recognise the importance of fair testing and identify variables where appropriate.
• Understand how science impacts everyday life, technological advancement and the wider world.
• Demonstrate curiosity, independence and enthusiasm for scientific discovery.

We measure the impact of our science curriculum through:

• Ongoing teacher assessment and observation during lessons.
• Review of children's practical investigations and recorded outcomes.
• Assessment of scientific knowledge, understanding and vocabulary.
• Children's discussions and explanations of scientific concepts.
• Opportunities for children to apply enquiry skills across different contexts.
• Subject leader monitoring, including lesson visits, work scrutiny and children's voice.

As a result, children leave Birch Hill Primary School with a strong foundation in scientific knowledge and enquiry skills. They are curious learners who can think critically, question the world around them and apply their scientific understanding to real-life situations. They are well prepared for the next stage of their education and are equipped to engage with the scientific and technological challenges of the future.