Science
Inspiring Curiosity, Discovery and Scientific Thinking
At Winford Church of England Primary School, we believe that science helps children understand the world around them and develop the curiosity, knowledge and skills they need for the future.
Our science curriculum encourages children to ask questions, explore ideas, investigate how things work and develop an understanding of the natural and physical world.
We want every child to see themselves as a scientist: someone who is curious, asks questions, investigates evidence and enjoys making discoveries.
Our Christian vision, Together we Flourish, and our school values of Aspire, Belong and Care encourage children to explore the world with curiosity, develop confidence in their abilities and recognise their responsibility for caring for our environment.
Our Science Curriculum
At Winford, we use Developing Experts to support the planning and teaching of our science curriculum.
Developing Experts provides a carefully sequenced approach to science, helping children build their scientific knowledge, understanding and enquiry skills as they progress through the school.
Our curriculum aims to prepare children for the wider world by ensuring that they understand scientific concepts, develop the skills needed to investigate questions and recognise how science connects to everyday life.
We aim to deliver the three key elements of the National Curriculum for Science:
1. Scientific Knowledge and Conceptual Understanding
Understanding the world through science
Children develop their knowledge of important scientific ideas across biology, chemistry and physics.
They learn about living things, materials, forces, energy and the processes that shape our world.
As children progress through school, they revisit important concepts, building increasingly detailed knowledge and understanding.
2. Working Scientifically
Learning how scientists investigate and explain the world
Children develop the practical skills needed to ask questions, investigate ideas and draw conclusions from evidence.
They learn to:
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Ask scientific questions and make predictions.
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Observe carefully and identify patterns.
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Plan and carry out different types of investigations.
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Use scientific equipment and take measurements.
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Record and present findings.
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Analyse results and draw conclusions.
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Explain their thinking using scientific vocabulary.
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Evaluate investigations and consider further questions.
These skills are taught alongside scientific knowledge so that children learn to think and work like scientists.
3. Understanding the Uses and Implications of Science
Recognising how science shapes our lives and the wider world
Children explore how scientific knowledge is used in everyday life and why science matters.
They learn about the contribution of scientists, engineers and other professionals, discovering how scientific understanding helps us solve problems and improve lives.
We want children to recognise that science is relevant to their own experiences and can open doors to future interests and careers.
Science in Reception
In Reception, children begin developing scientific understanding through the Early Years Foundation Stage area of Understanding the World.
They explore their surroundings, observe changes and begin asking questions about the natural world.
Learning takes place through play, practical experiences, stories and exploration.
Children have opportunities to:
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Explore plants, animals and their habitats.
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Notice changes in the weather and seasons.
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Investigate different materials and their properties.
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Observe how living things grow and change.
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Use their senses to explore the world.
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Ask questions and talk about what they notice.
Our outdoor environment provides opportunities for children to explore nature and develop the curiosity that forms the foundation of future scientific learning.
Science in Key Stage 1
In Years 1 and 2, children develop their understanding of the world through observation, exploration and practical investigations.
Their learning includes:
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Plants and how they grow.
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Animals, including humans.
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Living things and their habitats.
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Everyday materials and their uses.
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Seasonal changes.
Children begin to identify similarities and differences, make observations, ask questions and carry out simple tests.
They develop confidence in using scientific vocabulary and communicating what they discover.
Science in Key Stage 2
As children progress through Years 3 to 6, they develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and increasingly sophisticated enquiry skills.
Their learning includes:
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Living things and their habitats – Exploring classification, life cycles and the relationships between organisms.
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Plants and animals, including humans – Understanding nutrition, skeletons, digestion, circulation, reproduction and development.
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Materials and their properties – Investigating solids, liquids, gases, changes of state and reversible and irreversible changes.
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Forces and magnets – Exploring movement, friction, gravity and magnetic forces.
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Light and sound – Understanding how light and sound travel and how we experience them.
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Electricity – Investigating circuits and electrical components.
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Earth and space – Exploring the solar system and the movement of the Earth and Moon.
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Evolution and inheritance – Understanding how living things adapt and change over time.
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Rocks and soils – Investigating different rock types, fossils and how soils are formed.
Children are encouraged to make connections between different areas of science and apply their knowledge when investigating new questions.
Working Scientifically at Winford
Asking Questions, Investigating and Discovering
Practical enquiry is an important part of science at Winford.
Children learn that science involves more than remembering facts. It is about asking questions, investigating ideas and using evidence to develop explanations.
Throughout their time at school, children experience different types of scientific enquiry, including:
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Observing over time – Investigating how things change.
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Pattern seeking – Looking for relationships and patterns in observations or data.
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Identifying and classifying – Grouping and comparing objects and living things.
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Comparative and fair testing – Investigating the effect of changing different variables.
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Research using secondary sources – Finding information from books, scientific resources and other reliable sources.
As children progress, they become increasingly independent in planning investigations, selecting equipment, recording findings and evaluating their results.
We encourage children to recognise that scientific discoveries often lead to new questions.
Bringing Science to Life
We believe that science is most meaningful when children can connect their learning to the world around them.
Developing Experts helps children understand how scientific knowledge is used beyond the classroom, including in different jobs and industries.
Through practical activities and real-world examples, children discover how science contributes to medicine, engineering, technology, agriculture, environmental protection and many other aspects of everyday life.
We want children to understand that science is not just something they learn at school. It is part of the world they live in.
Science and Our Outdoor Environment
Our school grounds, woodland and gardening areas provide opportunities for scientific exploration.
Children can observe plants and wildlife, investigate habitats, explore seasonal changes and learn about the natural environment through first-hand experiences.
Our gardening activities also provide opportunities to explore plant growth, soil, habitats and the conditions living things need to thrive.
These experiences help children apply their scientific knowledge and develop a sense of responsibility for the natural world.
Our school value of Care encourages children to recognise the importance of protecting and respecting the environment.
Helping Children Know More and Remember More
Our science curriculum is carefully sequenced to help children build secure knowledge and understanding over time.
Through Developing Experts, children are introduced to important scientific concepts and vocabulary, which are revisited and developed as they progress.
Teachers use questioning, practical investigations, discussion and assessment to check children's understanding and identify misconceptions.
Children are encouraged to explain their thinking, make connections between different scientific ideas and apply their knowledge in new situations.
We want children to remember what they have learned and develop the confidence to use their scientific understanding independently.
Supporting Every Learner
We believe that every child should be able to access and succeed in science.
Teachers adapt learning to meet individual needs through:
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Practical activities and hands-on investigations.
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Visual resources, demonstrations and models.
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Clear explanations and carefully introduced vocabulary.
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Structured activities and additional scaffolding.
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Opportunities for discussion and collaborative learning.
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Appropriate challenge for children ready to explore scientific ideas in greater depth.
We aim to ensure that all children develop confidence, curiosity and a positive attitude towards science.
How Parents Can Support Science at Home
There are lots of enjoyable ways to encourage scientific curiosity beyond school.
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Explore nature – Look for plants, insects, birds and other wildlife in your garden or local area.
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Ask questions – Encourage children to wonder why things happen and investigate possible explanations.
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Try simple experiments – Explore floating and sinking, magnets, shadows or growing seeds.
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Observe changes – Notice how the weather, seasons and natural environment change.
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Cook together – Talk about how ingredients change when they are mixed, heated or cooled.
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Explore science in everyday life – Discuss how technology, medicine, electricity and other scientific developments affect our lives.
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Celebrate curiosity – Encourage children to ask questions, make predictions and learn from their discoveries.
Curriculum Information
Our science curriculum follows the National Curriculum for England, supported by Developing Experts and the Lighthouse Schools Partnership's curriculum intentions.
The curriculum provides a progressive approach to developing scientific knowledge, understanding and enquiry skills throughout the school.
Further information can be found in the documents below.
Link to the Science Curriculum at Winford
Science Progression of Skills Grid
Science Progression of Knowledge Grid
View Year Group Curriculum Overviews
Together we Flourish
Aspire • Belong • Care
Exploring, investigating and discovering the world around us.
