Intent
At St. Gregory’s, we believe that a high‑quality science education should foster curiosity, excitement and wonder about the world. Science enables children to explore, question, investigate and deepen their understanding of how and why things happen. Through a carefully sequenced, knowledge‑rich curriculum, we aim to develop pupils who think, speak and work like scientists.
Our curriculum is shaped by the trust virtues, which underpin scientific thinking:
- Curiosity & resilience – pupils ask thoughtful questions, test ideas and persevere when outcomes are unexpected.
- Self-belief – children gain confidence in practical work and scientific reasoning.
- Responsibility & compassion – pupils learn to care for the world and consider the impact of science on society and the environment.
- Respect – children appreciate the living and non-living world and diverse scientific contributions.
- Honesty – pupils record findings accurately and evaluate evidence with integrity.
- Justice – all pupils are given equitable access to high-quality scientific learning and opportunities.
Our intent is that all pupils:
Develop secure scientific knowledge
Understanding key concepts in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, building strong foundations for future learning.
Understand scientific enquiry and the nature of science
Learning how science works through observing, questioning, experimenting, measuring, recording, analysing and evaluating.
Think, talk and work like scientists
Using accurate scientific vocabulary, clear explanations, logical reasoning and evidence-based conclusions.
Recognise the relevance and importance of science
Appreciating how science shapes everyday life and future technology, and understanding scientific career pathways.
Develop a life-long curiosity about the natural world
We aim to nurture enthusiastic learners who enjoy science, ask questions and pursue their own lines of enquiry.
Implementation
At St. Gregory’s, Science is taught weekly as a core subject through Our Trust Science Curriculum, which provides a clear, ambitious and well-sequenced framework from EYFS to Year 6. This is supported by Oak Academy Science Curriculum materials, which enhance subject knowledge, lesson structure and high-quality explanations.
Whole-School Pedagogy: “I Do – We Do – You Do”
As with all subjects at St. Gregory’s, science teaching follows our whole-school instructional model:
- I Do: Teachers model scientific concepts, vocabulary, processes and methods.
- We Do: Pupils and teachers work collaboratively to plan investigations, explore questions and interpret results.
- You Do: Children independently apply their understanding and enquiry skills in practical tasks and written outcomes.
This approach strengthens independence, clarity, confidence and resilience across scientific enquiry.
Curriculum Structure & Progression
Our Trust Science Curriculum ensures:
- Clear progression of knowledge and skills from EYFS–Year 6
- Scientific enquiry skills embedded in every unit
- A balance of practical investigation and scientific knowledge
- Regular opportunities for recall and retrieval to strengthen long-term understanding
- Adaptive teaching supported by Oak Academy resources and videos
- A broad and rich offer covering all NC Biology, Chemistry and Physics units
The curriculum builds logically so pupils revisit and deepen key concepts throughout their primary journey.
Working Scientifically
Scientific enquiry skills are taught progressively through:
- Observing over time
- Identifying and classifying
- Comparative and fair testing
- Research using secondary sources
- Pattern seeking
Practical science is central to our approach. Pupils learn to:
- Ask questions and form hypotheses
- Make predictions based on prior knowledge
- Use equipment safely and accurately
- Collect, measure and observe systematically
- Record results using charts, tables and graphs
- Identify patterns and anomalies
- Draw evidence-based conclusions
We encourage pupils to learn from mistakes, building resilience and scientific confidence.
Vocabulary and Communication
A strong emphasis is placed on the accurate use of scientific vocabulary. Teachers:
- Model precise terminology
- Support children to articulate scientific ideas clearly
- Teach pupils to present findings using diagrams, tables, graphs and written explanations
- Foster high-quality discussion and reasoning
Pupils practise speaking like scientists and explaining their thinking clearly and honestly.
Outdoor Learning, Enrichment & Real-World Links
To enrich science learning, we provide:
- Outdoor investigations using our school grounds
- Trips to museums, scientific centres and nature reserves
- Visits from STEM professionals
- Strong links with local industries and trust partners
- Cross-curricular connections with English, maths, computing and geography
These experiences help pupils understand the purpose, importance and impact of science in real life.
Impact
Our science curriculum ensures pupils develop:
Secure scientific knowledge
Pupils can recall key concepts and vocabulary and make connections across topics and years.
Well-developed working scientifically skills
Children can plan, carry out and evaluate investigations independently.
Confidence and clarity in scientific communication
Pupils speak and write using accurate scientific language, explaining their thinking clearly.
Curiosity, enthusiasm and positive attitudes
Children enjoy science, engage deeply in lessons and ask thoughtful questions.
Readiness for KS3 science
Pupils leave St. Gregory’s able to think critically, work methodically and approach problems with resilience.
Impact is assessed through:
- Pupil voice
- Book looks and learning walks
- Summative and formative assessments
- Retrieval tasks and low-stakes quizzes
- Monitoring of vocabulary use and scientific explanations
- Observation of practical work
Our pupils leave us prepared not only for secondary science, but for a world shaped increasingly by scientific understanding, discovery and innovation.