Science

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”

Carl Sagan

Intent

At Elmridge, our intent is to develop curious, knowledgeable and reflective scientists who are inspired to explore and understand the world around them. Through an ambitious and engaging curriculum, children build secure scientific knowledge alongside the skills needed to think critically, work scientifically and ask thoughtful questions about the world they live in.

Our science curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure children develop secure understanding across biology, chemistry and physics whilst making meaningful connections between scientific concepts over time. We want pupils to develop a deep understanding of scientific knowledge whilst recognising the importance and relevance of science within everyday life, the wider world and future innovation.

Science at Elmridge promotes curiosity, enquiry and exploration. Through practical investigations, discussion and wider enrichment opportunities, children learn to think and work like scientists by observing carefully, testing ideas, analysing evidence and communicating their thinking using precise scientific vocabulary.

Our curriculum reflects our values of Challenge, Care and Collaboration by encouraging children to persevere, question deeply and work collaboratively when exploring scientific ideas. Through high expectations and adaptive teaching, all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, are supported to access and succeed within the full science curriculum.

Implementation

Science at Elmridge is taught through the Developing Experts curriculum, which provides engaging, knowledge-rich learning experiences that build children’s understanding progressively over time. Lessons are carefully sequenced to develop both substantive scientific knowledge and disciplinary knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics.

Our approach to disciplinary knowledge is informed by the SEERIH programme at The University of Manchester and centres around five key areas of working scientifically: observing over time, pattern seeking, identifying and classifying, comparative and fair testing, research using secondary sources and scientific models. These enquiry approaches are woven progressively throughout the curriculum to ensure pupils develop the skills needed to think and work scientifically with increasing independence and accuracy.

Teachers use explicit instruction, modelling and purposeful questioning to support children in developing secure scientific understanding and vocabulary. Scientific language is introduced, revisited and embedded regularly so that pupils can explain their thinking, justify conclusions and communicate ideas clearly and accurately.

Practical enquiry is central to science at Elmridge. Children are provided with regular opportunities to investigate, explore and apply their understanding through first-hand experiences and collaborative discussion. Teachers use questioning and retrieval practice to deepen understanding, address misconceptions and strengthen long-term retention of knowledge.

Learning is enriched through outdoor learning, STEM opportunities, educational visits and meaningful links to the wider curriculum. These experiences help children understand the relevance of science within the world around them and encourage aspiration towards future scientific learning and careers.

Adaptive teaching strategies ensure all pupils can access ambitious scientific learning. Appropriate scaffolds, challenge and support are used to enable every child to succeed whilst maintaining high expectations for all learners.

Impact

At Elmridge, we are committed to developing curious, knowledgeable and reflective scientists who understand the world around them and are confident in thinking scientifically. Through an ambitious and enquiry-rich curriculum, children develop secure scientific understanding alongside the ability to question, investigate and communicate their ideas effectively.

The impact of our science curriculum can be seen through the following key outcomes:

1. Secure and Connected Scientific Understanding

Building Scientific Knowledge

Children develop secure understanding of key concepts across biology, chemistry and physics through carefully sequenced learning that builds progressively over time. Pupils can make meaningful links between areas of science and apply their understanding across a range of contexts.

Knowledge Through Enquiry

Through practical investigation and exploration, children deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and develop curiosity about the world around them. Pupils learn that science is not simply about knowing facts, but about questioning, investigating and drawing conclusions from evidence.

2. Working and Thinking Like Scientists

Scientific Enquiry Skills

Children develop the disciplinary knowledge needed to work scientifically through the five enquiry approaches identified by SEERIH at The University of Manchester: observing over time, pattern seeking, identifying and classifying, comparative and fair testing and research using secondary sources. These approaches are revisited progressively throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to think critically and investigate with increasing independence.

Scientific Communication

Pupils acquire and use precise scientific vocabulary to explain their ideas, communicate findings and justify conclusions clearly and accurately. Through discussion, questioning and collaborative learning, children develop confidence in articulating their scientific thinking.

3. Curiosity, Engagement and Independence

Developing Curiosity

Children approach science with enthusiasm and curiosity, asking thoughtful questions and showing a genuine interest in the world around them. Practical experiences, investigations and wider enrichment opportunities help pupils see science as relevant, exciting and purposeful.

Positive Scientific Learning Behaviours

Pupils develop resilience, independence and collaboration through scientific enquiry. Children learn to persevere when investigations do not go as expected, reflect on their findings and work effectively with others to solve problems and refine ideas.

4. Aspiration and Achievement

Strong Scientific Outcomes

Children achieve highly from their individual starting points due to ambitious expectations, carefully sequenced learning and high-quality teaching. Pupils develop secure scientific knowledge and enquiry skills that prepare them well for future learning in science.

Understanding the Wider World

By the end of Year 6, pupils leave Elmridge with a strong understanding of how science shapes the world around them. They recognise the importance of science within everyday life, future innovation and a wide range of careers, enabling them to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals and problem solvers.