Science

Our Science Coordinator is Mrs Aveyard

Mrs Aveyard leads Science across the school and works closely with staff to ensure the curriculum is ambitious, engaging and progressive for all pupils. We want children to develop curiosity about the world around them, ask thoughtful questions and build a strong understanding of scientific concepts through practical investigation and exploration. Through hands-on learning and enquiry, pupils develop confidence in working scientifically while fostering a lifelong interest in discovery, innovation and the natural world.

Science vision & intent

Athelstan Community Primary School places science at the heart of a broad and balanced curriculum, aiming to develop curious, confident pupils who can question, explore and explain the world around them. The curriculum is designed for pupils to learn as scientists through practical experiences, building both substantive knowledge and disciplinary skills such as investigating, analysing data and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6, learning builds cumulatively, supported by the “10 Big Ideas” framework to strengthen connections and aid retention. A strong emphasis is placed on explicit teaching of scientific vocabulary and structured oracy to help pupils articulate ideas and deepen understanding. Teaching is adaptive, with scaffolding and challenge to meet all learners’ needs, address misconceptions and promote independence. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are equipped with secure knowledge, critical thinking skills and an appreciation of science’s relevance, preparing them for secondary education and life in an ever-changing world.

What does learning look like?

Teaching follows a consistent structure in line with the scheme: 

• Retrieval of prior knowledge to strengthen memory 

• Introduction of new learning with clear explanations 

• Teacher modelling and demonstration 

• Guided practice through enquiry or investigation 

• Independent application 

• Reflection and discussion of findings 
   

In EYFS, learning focuses on: 

• Exploration and observation 

• Talk and questioning 

• Early scientific understanding through play 
   

In KS1 and KS2, learning becomes increasingly: 

• Structured 

• Enquiry-driven 

• Independent 

Wider curriculum opportunities

Wider opportunities in science at Athelstan are enhanced through carefully planned educational visits and whole-school events that bring learning to life and deepen pupils’ understanding of key concepts. Each trip is closely linked to the curriculum, allowing pupils to experience science in real-world contexts: Year 2 visit Flamingo Land to explore living things and their habitats, Year 3 visit the Magna Science Adventure Centre to support their learning on rocks, Year 5 visit Askham Bryan College to develop their understanding of animals including humans, and Year 6 visit Drax Power Station to learn about renewable energy. In addition, Science Week provides an exciting opportunity for all pupils to engage in a range of enriching, hands-on activities, investigations and challenges that promote curiosity and a love of science. This whole-school event often includes themed days, cross-curricular links and opportunities to work collaboratively, helping to raise the profile of science and inspire pupils to see themselves as scientists.

Primary Science Quality Mark 

Athelstan school is proud to have  been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark ,this is the highest Primary Science Quality Mark achievable for its curriculum, provision and teaching of science. 

The Primary Science Quality Mark ™ has the following aims:

• To raise the profile of science in primary schools
• To encourage primary schools to increase the range and quality of teaching   and learning in science
• To recognise, promote and spread good practice in science teaching and   learning
• To provide a framework for evaluating, planning and developing the quality   of science teaching and learning in primary schools
• To celebrate a commitment to excellence in science in primary schools

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