Intent

Our curriculum helps children build secure scientific knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics, giving them strong foundations that they can keep adding to as they move through the school. Pupils need both substantive knowledge (facts and concepts) and disciplinary knowledge (how scientists work), so we teach both clearly and purposefully. 

We want every child to see themselves as a scientist—confident to explore, investigate, talk about their ideas and learn from mistakes. We understand the importance of hands‑on, meaningful science, so we give all pupils engaging opportunities to discover the world for themselves.

Above all, by the time children leave Berewood, we want them to understand how science connects to everyday life, the environment and their futures, and to feel proud of being curious, thoughtful and responsible young scientists.

How we teach Science (Implementation)

Science at Berewood is carefully planned so children can build their knowledge step by step. The National Curriculum states that children need secure understanding of key ideas in order to progress, so we introduce concepts in a clear order and revisit important ideas regularly to strengthen memory. 

Lessons combine exciting practical activities, clear explanations and time to talk about scientific thinking. Explicit teaching of working scientifically skills —such as observing, predicting, measuring, classifying and evaluating—is woven through every topic. 

Practical science is purposeful: hands‑on tasks are planned to help pupils learn key ideas, not just to entertain. This reflects strong evidence that effective practical work should link directly to curriculum goals and develop both sensory (“hands‑on”) and thinking (“minds‑on”) experiences. Our pupils also learn about a diverse range of scientists, discoveries and scientific ideas. 

Impact

By the end of their time at Berewood, pupils will have developed secure scientific knowledge and the confidence to think, explore and question like young scientists. They will remember key ideas from across biology, chemistry and physics and be able to link these ideas to the world around them. 

Children will be able to carry out scientific enquiries, make predictions, observe closely, collect data and talk about what they have found out. Strong progress happens when children know both the science content and the methods scientists use, so pupils will leave us able to use both confidently.

They will enjoy practical science, feel confident discussing their ideas, and be able to explain scientific concepts using accurate vocabulary. Meaningful practical work and rich talk deepen scientific understanding and memory.

Most importantly, children will leave Berewood curious about the world, able to think critically and ready to build on their strong foundations as they move into secondary school—proud of being scientists who can investigate, explain and explore.