Science

“Everything is theoretically impossible until it is done.” – Robert A. Heinlein

At Orchard Grove Primary School, we ignite children’s curiosity and excitement for scientific discovery, helping them understand how science shapes their everyday lives. Our curriculum develops both knowledge and enquiry skills, enabling pupils to ask questions, explore ideas and think scientifically like scientists from the Early Years and through Key Stages 1 and 2, preparing them for Key Stage 3.

Science is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds on prior learning, ensuring a secure and deepening understanding over time. Lessons are engaging, practical and inclusive, supported by high-quality resources. Scientific enquiry is central to our teaching, with pupils regularly pattern-seeking, observing, classifying, testing and researching. These first-hand experiences support pupils in developing their working scientifically skills, while building substantive knowledge and deepening their understanding of key concepts.

Our TriScience units provide additional opportunities to work scientifically through practical investigations across biology, chemistry and physics. Pupils apply their learning, build knowledge and learn about a diverse range of scientists.

We place a strong emphasis on developing precise scientific vocabulary, enabling pupils to communicate their understanding clearly. Regular opportunities for retrieval are built into lessons to help children ‘know more and remember more’, strengthening long-term understanding and connections between concepts.

Pupils’ understanding is regularly checked through formative approaches, allowing misconceptions to be quickly identified and addressed. Substantive knowledge is reviewed through low-stakes quizzes, while working scientifically skills are assessed using   teacher judgements, supported by the TAPS plans.  

Enrichment opportunities, real-world links and exposure to scientific careers broaden aspirations and highlight the relevance of science. By the time pupils leave us, they are confident, curious and knowledgeable young scientists, ready for the next stage of their education.