Science

Science at Penwortham Primary School

At Penwortham Primary School, our Science curriculum aims to ignite curiosity and develop pupils’ understanding of the world around them. We want pupils to ask questions, explore scientific ideas and develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand how the world works.

Our approach to Science reflects our school values of Aspire, Belong, Care and Discover, supporting pupils to think critically, work collaboratively and develop a sense of responsibility for the world they live in.

Intent

Our Science curriculum is designed to:

develop pupils’ scientific knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics
build secure understanding of key scientific concepts and vocabulary
develop enquiry skills through investigation and observation
encourage curiosity, questioning and critical thinking
help pupils understand the relevance of science in everyday life

The curriculum is underpinned by the Plymouth Science scheme, ensuring clear progression of knowledge and enquiry skills from EYFS to Year 6.

Implementation - Our Science Journey

Science learning begins in EYFS, where children explore the world through observation, investigation and play as part of Understanding the World. Pupils develop early enquiry skills by asking questions, making observations and talking about what they notice.

As pupils move through school, learning is carefully sequenced to revisit and build on prior knowledge. In Key Stage 1, pupils explore plants, animals, materials and seasonal change, developing simple scientific enquiry skills. In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding across a wider range of scientific disciplines, including forces, electricity, evolution and inheritance, and develop more complex enquiry and investigation skills.

Across the school, pupils develop their understanding of:

scientific concepts and processes
working scientifically through different types of enquiry
accurate scientific vocabulary
the impact of science on everyday life and the wider world

How Science Is Taught

Science is taught through enquiry-based lessons that encourage pupils to think like scientists. Lessons are carefully planned in line with the National Curriculum and the Plymouth Science scheme to ensure clear progression of knowledge and skills.

Pupils are supported to:

ask scientific questions
plan and carry out investigations
observe, measure and record results
analyse findings and draw conclusions
use scientific vocabulary accurately

Practical investigations and hands-on learning are a key feature of science lessons, enabling pupils to develop enquiry skills while deepening their understanding of scientific concepts. Lessons are inclusive and adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.

Assessment in Science

Assessment in Science at Penwortham Primary School is closely aligned to the curriculum and focuses on how securely pupils are learning the intended knowledge and enquiry skills over time.

Teachers use ongoing formative assessment within lessons to check understanding, identify misconceptions and adapt teaching accordingly. This includes questioning, observation of practical work, discussion and review of pupils’ explanations.

Summative assessment is used at planned points to check how securely pupils have learned the curriculum content and to identify any areas requiring further consolidation or support. Assessment is used proportionately to inform teaching, rather than to generate excessive data.

Leaders use assessment information to evaluate the impact of the Science curriculum and ensure pupils are building secure scientific understanding as they progress through the school.

Impact

As a result of our Science curriculum, pupils:

develop secure scientific knowledge and understanding
apply enquiry skills confidently and appropriately
use scientific vocabulary accurately
explain scientific concepts and processes clearly
show curiosity, enthusiasm and confidence in Science

The quality of Science provision has been externally recognised through the achievement of the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM), reflecting strong leadership, effective teaching and positive pupil outcomes.

Pupils leave Penwortham Primary School well prepared for further scientific learning and able to apply their knowledge to real-life situations.

Science, British Values and Sustainability

Science at Penwortham Primary School plays an important role in promoting British Values and developing pupils as responsible global citizens.

Through Science, pupils develop:

mutual respect and tolerance by working collaboratively and valuing different viewpoints
individual liberty by asking questions and forming their own conclusions
democracy through discussion and shared decision-making during investigations
respect for the rule of law by following safety procedures and agreed investigation methods

Sustainability is woven throughout the Science curriculum. Pupils learn about environmental impact, conservation, recycling and ethical responsibility, helping them understand how scientific knowledge can support care for the planet and its resources.

Science Enrichment and Wider Opportunities

Science learning is enriched through a range of opportunities beyond the classroom, including:

Mad Science after-school clubs
Mad Science assemblies
annual celebration of British Science Week
practical, hands-on experiences linked to real-world science

These opportunities help to foster enthusiasm, confidence and a lifelong interest in Science.

Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM)

Penwortham Primary School has achieved the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) in recognition of our strong commitment to high-quality science leadership, teaching and learning.

The Primary Science Quality Mark is a nationally recognised award celebrating excellence in science education across nursery, infant, primary and special schools. Since its launch in 2010, over 5,000 schools have achieved PSQM, supporting high-quality science learning for more than one million children.

PSQM is an evidence-based professional development programme that strengthens science leadership and ensures teachers have the knowledge, confidence and support needed to deliver an ambitious and engaging science curriculum. The award is led by the University of Hertfordshire and recognises schools where science has a strong profile and clear impact.

Helen Sizer, PSQM Co-Director, explains:

“By enabling effective science leadership, PSQM is powering the potential of all children to see the relevance and importance of science in their lives, now and in the future. Schools that have achieved a Primary Science Quality Mark have demonstrated a significant commitment to science leadership, teaching and learning and the profile and quality of science in each accredited school is very high.”

Achieving the Primary Science Quality Mark reflects the dedication of our staff, pupils and wider school community. It recognises the wide range of enquiry-based learning, enrichment opportunities and high-quality teaching that pupils experience at Penwortham Primary School.