At Morecambe Bay Community Primary School, we want every child to be curious about the world around them and to enjoy and succeed in science. We follow the National Curriculum for Science, ensuring a clear, coherent sequence of learning from Nursery through to Year 6 that builds scientific knowledge, skills and understanding step by step.
In Nursery and Reception, children develop early scientific understanding through play, exploration and continuous provision. They investigate the natural world, observe changes, ask questions and talk about what they notice. Through first-hand experiences such as water play, growing plants, exploring materials and seasonal changes, children begin to develop the foundations of Working Scientifically in an age-appropriate way.
As children move into Key Stage 1, science learning becomes more structured while remaining practical and engaging. Pupils build on their early experiences by observing closely, asking simple questions, carrying out basic investigations and recording their findings in a range of ways. Scientific vocabulary is introduced and revisited, helping children to describe what they see and explain their ideas more clearly.
In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their scientific knowledge across the biology, chemistry and physics strands of the National Curriculum. Learning is carefully sequenced so that prior knowledge is revisited and built upon, allowing children to develop a secure understanding of key scientific concepts. Children plan and carry out fair tests, take accurate measurements, record and interpret results, and draw conclusions using scientific reasoning.
Across all year groups, we place a strong emphasis on Working Scientifically, including:
- Asking questions and making predictions
- Planning and carrying out practical investigations
- Observing, measuring and recording results
- Using scientific vocabulary to explain findings
- Identifying patterns and relationships
- Drawing conclusions and evaluating investigations
Practical, hands-on investigations are at the heart of science teaching at Morecambe Bay Community Primary School. Children are encouraged to work collaboratively, discuss their ideas and learn from both successes and mistakes. These experiences help them to develop critical thinking, resilience and confidence as scientists.
Science is taught through a clear and progressive sequence, ensuring coverage of all National Curriculum objectives while allowing time for children to revisit and embed key concepts. Knowledge and skills are carefully linked across year groups to prepare pupils for the increased challenge and subject-specific thinking required in Key Stage 3.
By the end of primary school, children leave Morecambe Bay Community Primary School with a secure understanding of scientific concepts, well-developed enquiry skills, and a curiosity about the world that prepares them well for science learning at high school and beyond.