Science at Fawbert & Barnard’s

Intent

At Fawbert & Barnard’s, Science is about nurturing curiosity, developing enquiry skills and helping children make sense of the world around them. We want our pupils to think, question, investigate and wonder - just like real scientists.

Our Science curriculum aims to:

  • Build secure knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics
  • Support pupils to know more, remember more and connect learning through our Big Ideas approach
  • Develop confident scientific thinkers who can use accurate scientific vocabulary to explain their understanding
  • Encourage children to ask questions about how things work and why things happen
  • Provide rich opportunities for first-hand experiences, outdoor learning and real investigations
  • Help children see science as exciting, relevant and accessible - something they can pursue as a future career

Our beautiful school grounds and class planting beds allow children to observe living things, care for the environment and explore scientific concepts in a meaningful, purposeful way.

Implementation

Science is taught weekly through a carefully sequenced curriculum that ensures progression in both scientific knowledge and working scientifically skills from EYFS to Year 6.

How We Teach Science

  • Each new unit begins with a KWL grid (“What I Know, What I Want to Know, What I Learned”), used throughout the unit as a formative assessment tool.
  • Key scientific vocabulary is introduced, revisited and embedded throughout lessons.
  • A strong emphasis is placed on working scientifically, including:
    • Observing over time
    • Identifying, grouping and classifying
    • Comparative and fair testing
    • Pattern-seeking
    • Researching using secondary sources
  • Teachers use practical investigations, outdoor learning, demonstrations and enquiry-led activities to deepen understanding.
  • Lessons are designed to be ambitious, well-structured and responsive to the needs of all learners.
  • Misconceptions are addressed swiftly, and teaching is adapted to ensure all pupils keep up.
  • Scientific skills and knowledge are revisited throughout the year to strengthen long-term memory.

Learning Environment & Resources

  • Our grounds are used to support observation, environmental science and plant biology.
  • Children grow food and flowers in class planting beds, developing responsibility and understanding of life cycles.
  • High-quality resources support hands-on learning and real scientific enquiry.

Inclusivity in Science

We ensure:

  • All groups of pupils access a full, ambitious curriculum
  • Lessons provide multiple entry points and high challenge
  • Children experience success and enjoyment in science
  • The curriculum reflects diverse scientists and possible future careers

Impact

The impact of our Science curriculum is seen in:

Pupil Knowledge & Progress

  • Children who can explain scientific ideas clearly using accurate vocabulary
  • Secure understanding measured through KWL grids, formative assessment and comparative judgement tasks
  • High-quality work that shows progression across the school

Pupil Voice & Engagement

  • Pupils who talk confidently about investigations, concepts and scientific processes
  • Children who see themselves as scientists and understand the relevance of science in everyday life

Preparedness for the Future

By the time they leave Fawbert & Barnard’s, pupils are:

  • Knowledgeable, curious and motivated young scientists
  • Ready for the next stage of their learning
  • Skilled in enquiry, reasoning and explanation
  • Equipped with the foundations needed for secondary science