At Caldecote Primary School, we want every child to develop a sense of wonder about the world around them. Our science curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, encourage children to ask questions and help them discover how science influences our everyday lives. Through exciting learning experiences in biology, chemistry and physics, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to think like scientists and explore the world with enthusiasm. 

Lesson Structure

Our science lessons are designed to be engaging, interactive and memorable. Each unit begins with a thought-provoking enquiry question that encourages children to investigate and explore scientific ideas. Lessons build on previous learning and provide opportunities for pupils to ask questions, make predictions, carry out investigations, analyse results and share their findings. 

Using our Caldecote Lesson Rubric, teachers guide pupils through a carefully structured learning journey. Children revisit prior knowledge, learn new concepts through clear explanations and modelling, practise new skills with support, and then apply their learning independently. Opportunities for challenge encourage deeper thinking and help pupils develop both scientific knowledge and enquiry skills. 

Inclusion

We believe that every child can achieve success in science. Lessons are carefully adapted to ensure all pupils can access learning and participate fully in practical investigations and scientific discussions. Teachers use a range of strategies, including visual resources, vocabulary support, scaffolded activities and additional adult guidance where required. 

Developing scientific vocabulary is an important part of our curriculum. Key words are explicitly taught, revisited regularly and used throughout lessons so that children can confidently explain their ideas and understanding using accurate scientific language. 

Assessment

Assessment is an ongoing part of everyday learning. Teachers regularly check children's understanding through questioning, discussion, retrieval activities, quizzes and practical enquiry tasks. This allows misconceptions to be identified quickly and ensures pupils receive any additional support they may need. 

Children demonstrate their understanding through practical investigations and scientific enquiry, helping teachers assess both their scientific knowledge and their ability to work scientifically. This enables us to celebrate progress, identify next steps and support all pupils to achieve their full potential. 

Wider Curriculum Opportunities

We enrich our science curriculum through a wide range of exciting experiences that bring learning to life. Children take part in outdoor learning, habitat studies, environmental projects and hands-on investigations that help them develop a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Pupils also benefit from educational visits, science workshops, opportunities to work with local experts and participation in national events such as British Science Week. Our annual science enrichment activities celebrate discovery, creativity and innovation, helping children to see the relevance of science beyond the classroom. These experiences nurture confidence, teamwork, resilience and a lifelong love of learning. 

By the time children leave Caldecote Primary School, they have developed a secure understanding of key scientific concepts, strong enquiry skills and a genuine curiosity about the world around them. Most importantly, they leave with the confidence to question, investigate and make sense of the fascinating world in which they live.