Science and STEM

Intent

At Willow Primary School, we ASPIRE to develop curious, confident and resilient scientists who have the knowledge and skills to understand the world around them. Our ambitious, knowledge-rich science curriculum inspires pupils to explore natural phenomena, ask questions and understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics, pupils develop secure scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding alongside the skills needed to investigate, explain and make sense of the world around them. We encourage pupils to think critically, explore ideas and recognise the power of scientific explanations, fostering a lifelong enthusiasm for science and STEM.

Aims

Through our science curriculum, we aim for all pupils to:

• Develop secure and progressive scientific knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics.
• Develop curiosity, enthusiasm and enjoyment of science.
• Ask questions, investigate ideas and explore the world through different types of scientific enquiry.
• Develop skills in observing, measuring, classifying, identifying patterns, analysing evidence and drawing conclusions.
• Use scientific vocabulary confidently to explain ideas and communicate findings.
• Understand the relevance of science to everyday life, future developments and STEM careers.
• Develop independence, collaboration, resilience and confidence as learners.

Implementation

Our science curriculum is progressive and builds on pupils’ prior knowledge and understanding from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 2. Learning is supported through practical investigations, discussion, questioning, outdoor learning and meaningful real-life contexts.

Working scientifically is embedded throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to ask questions, make predictions, observe changes over time, identify and classify, recognise patterns, carry out comparative and fair tests, and research using secondary sources. Pupils progressively develop their ability to collect, present and interpret data, draw conclusions and use evidence to explain their findings.

In Key Stage 1, pupils explore the world through first-hand experiences and begin to develop scientific vocabulary and enquiry skills. In Lower Key Stage 2, pupils broaden their understanding, ask their own questions and begin to select appropriate enquiries and draw conclusions from evidence. In Upper Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their scientific understanding, choose suitable enquiry methods, analyse results systematically and use evidence to justify explanations.

High-quality resources from organisations including STEM, the Association for Science Education (ASE) and Explorify support engaging and purposeful learning. Scientific equipment enables pupils to investigate ideas and take accurate measurements, while enrichment opportunities, community links and exposure to STEM careers help bring science to life.

Impact

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will:

• Demonstrate secure scientific knowledge and understanding across biology, chemistry and physics.
• Be curious, resilient and independent learners who confidently ask questions and investigate ideas.
• Apply appropriate scientific enquiry skills to explore questions, interpret evidence and draw conclusions.
• Use scientific vocabulary accurately to explain their thinking and communicate findings.
• Recognise the importance of science in everyday life and understand its relevance to the future.
• Develop an awareness of STEM careers and opportunities, leaving Willow well prepared for secondary science and future learning.

If you would like to find out more about our Science curriculum or have questions regarding how it is delivered, please contact the school office or reach out to our Subject Lead at: admin@willow.elp.org.uk

Science Documents