Intent

At Woolton Primary we are scientists! We want our children to love science. We want them to have no limits to what their ambitions are and grow up wanting to be doctors, veterinarians, chemical engineers or microbiologists.  At Woolton Primary we follow the National Curriculum for Science in partnership with the Haringey Education Partnership (HEP) science curriculum, which is designed to develop confident, curious and knowledgeable scientists. It aims to ensure that all pupils, regardless of starting point, build a strong foundation of scientific knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics, while developing the skills needed to think and work scientifically.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build understanding progressively from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2. Pupils revisit key concepts such as living things, materials, forces and light in increasing depth, enabling them to make meaningful connections between ideas. Through the study of the human body, plants, animals, habitats, materials and physical phenomena, pupils learn how science explains the world around them and informs everyday life, health and environmental responsibility.

Implementation

Science is taught through the HEP curriculum map, which clearly sets out what pupils learn and when, ensuring progression and coherence across year groups. Units are organised to build from concrete, observable experiences in KS1—such as identifying plants, animals and materials—to more abstract scientific understanding in KS2, including forces, electricity, evolution and classification.

Each National Curriculum topic is introduced through beautifully illustrated booklets, full of concrete examples that put science in context for all learners. The topic booklet is used alongside a set of 6 lessons in PowerPoint format, designed to allow teachers to easily tailor each lesson to meet the need of their pupils. Each unit integrates substantive knowledge with opportunities to work scientifically, including observing, classifying, measuring, predicting, investigating and drawing conclusions. Practical investigations, hands-on activities and discussion are used to deepen understanding and support enquiry. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited across units to support retention and accurate explanation.

Assessment for learning, retrieval practice and questioning are embedded to identify misconceptions and inform teaching. Lessons are inclusive and adapted to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring appropriate support and challenge so that every pupil can access and succeed in science.

Impact

As a result of the HEP science curriculum, pupils develop secure scientific knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge confidently. They can explain key concepts using appropriate scientific vocabulary, carry out investigations with increasing independence, and use evidence to support conclusions.

Pupils understand the relevance of science to health, the environment and everyday life, demonstrated through their learning about nutrition, the human body, living things and sustainability. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are well prepared for secondary science, with strong enquiry skills, a positive attitude towards learning, and a clear understanding of how scientific ideas have developed over time.

We regularly assess their working scientifically skills. This is to ensure a clear progression in knowledge, skills and understanding. Leaders conduct book monitoring, learning walks and pupil voice to establish the impact. Our curriculum content is reviewed at the end of each topic. We strive to give our children experience of science beyond the curriculum. As a result, our children are ambitious. Through our curriculum and enhancements, children have first-hand experience of how science has changed our lives and are encouraged to be responsible for being the change that is vital for society’s future. Our science curriculum will foster a healthy curiosity and promotes respect for the living and non-living aspects of our universe.