Science

Intent

At Somerford Primary, we are committed to fostering a sense of awe and wonder in every child—igniting their curiosity and empowering them to confidently explore, question, and make sense of the world around them. Through a carefully planned and structured curriculum, our pupils develop a deep understanding of key scientific concepts and grow into confident, capable scientists, skilled in the art of scientific enquiry.

Implementation

Our science curriculum is thoughtfully designed to offer rich, varied experiences that enable pupils to become proficient scientists with a secure understanding of the world around them. Fully aligned with the National Curriculum and the EYFS Statutory Framework, our programme is carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of all learners.

We follow the ‘Grammarsaurus’ scheme of work, which reflects the statutory knowledge and scientific enquiry outlined in the National Curriculum. Our approach ensures a broad and balanced science curriculum, placing scientific enquiry at the heart of every child’s learning. Each topic is carefully planned and sequenced to prioritise the most important knowledge, enabling pupils to build on prior learning and embed new concepts into their long-term memory through regular spaced practice.

To further refine our curriculum, we use the Teacher Assessment in Primary Science (TAPS) to assess scientific enquiry from EYFS to Year 6. This structured approach allows pupils to develop enquiry skills in a sequential and cumulative way. By the time they leave Somerford, all pupils are able to confidently plan, conduct, and evaluate scientific investigations with increasing independence.

Assessment plays a key role in ensuring all pupils make progress. Teachers use regular assessment opportunities alongside our whole-school feedback sheets to identify those needing additional support. Targeted catch-up is then provided to ensure all pupils are well-prepared to progress in subsequent lessons.

High-quality resources are integrated throughout our curriculum to support a deeper understanding of the nature, processes, and methods of science. This ensures a consistent and progressive journey in scientific learning across all year groups, empowering our pupils to think, work, and communicate like real scientists.

At Somerford, we recognise that pupils learn best through practical, hands-on experiences. As such, our teachers plan engaging and enjoyable lessons that not only foster enthusiasm but also secure a strong understanding of the science curriculum. Science is taught weekly, providing regular opportunities for spaced practice and the retrieval of key knowledge, while steadily building pupils’ understanding over time.

To further enrich our science curriculum and inspire a lifelong interest in the subject, we provide meaningful STEM opportunities through links with the local community, themed days, educational visits, and guest speakers. Highlights include visits from astronomers and our Space Camp experience, which encourage pupils to imagine future careers in science and deepen their engagement with scientific learning.

At Somerford, our science curriculum—like all subjects—is delivered using the Gradual Release of Responsibility model. The ‘I do, we do, you do’ approach provides a clearly structured framework that incorporates modelling, scaffolding, and opportunities for pupils to recall key facts and apply scientific enquiry skills. All teaching staff, including teaching assistants, are deployed effectively to support active listening, identify and address misconceptions, and reduce barriers to learning—particularly for pupils with additional needs.

Teachers give careful consideration to how pupils record and present their scientific understanding, ensuring that tasks are appropriately matched to individual needs. Well-chosen resources further enhance learning, particularly for younger pupils and those with SEND. The use of iPads, data loggers, and other scientific equipment enables pupils to demonstrate their understanding in practical and engaging ways.

Cross-curricular links, such as using data handling and analysis from the maths curriculum, are embedded to strengthen pupils’ scientific enquiry skills. These regular opportunities help pupils build confidence and competence in science year after year, ensuring they leave Somerford as proficient, independent scientists.

Impact

The science curriculum at Somerford Primary inspires curiosity and enthusiasm, encouraging all our pupils to become engaged, inquisitive learners. By the time they leave Somerford, pupils have developed a strong understanding of key scientific knowledge, vocabulary, methods, processes, and skills. They leave as confident, capable scientists, well-equipped to understand and engage with science both today and in the future.nce