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