Science

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."

- Albert Einstein

At The Avenue, we believe it is essential for our children to gain a deep understanding of the core scientific concepts and knowledge. Our curriculum is developed in line with the National Curriculum, through the White Rose Science scheme, and it is taught in a way that engages every pupil, connects to their personal experiences and integrates other areas of learning across the wider curriculum.

Intent

Our science curriculum is broad and balanced, and our aim is to inspire curiosity and develop a lifelong interest in the world around us. We want every child to become an enthusiastic, confident and inquisitive scientist who asks questions, explores ideas and seeks to understand how and why things happen.

Following the White Rose Science scheme, our curriculum is carefully sequenced from Year 1 to Year 6 so that children progressively develop their scientific knowledge, skills, vocabulary and understanding. Through regular opportunities to observe, question, predict, investigate and draw conclusions, children develop the skills they need to think and work scientifically.

We aim to provide children with meaningful experiences that connect scientific learning to their everyday lives and the wider world. We also want pupils to appreciate the importance of science in society and recognise the contribution that scientists make to our lives, health, environment and future.

In EYFS, science is embedded within 'Understanding the World'. Children develop their early scientific thinking through hands-on play, sensory exploration, observation and investigation of the natural world. These experiences provide the foundations that are developed throughout Key Stages 1 and 2.

At The Avenue, we want to develop well-rounded, morally aware pupils while fostering a lifelong passion for science, encouraging environmental awareness and equipping every learner with the skills needed for future scientific and technological challenges and changes.

Implementation

Science is taught as a discrete subject from Year 1 to Year 6, with one science lesson each week across the academic year. The White Rose Science scheme provides a clear progression of knowledge and scientific skills across the primary years.

Lessons are designed to build on children's previous learning, allowing pupils to revisit and deepen key concepts and vocabulary. In an age-appropriate way, children are given regular opportunities to:

• Recall prior learning

• Use scientific vocabulary accurately

• Ask and answer scientific questions

• Make observations and identify patterns

• Make predictions and explain their thinking

• Plan and carry out investigations

• Gather, record and interpret evidence

• Draw conclusions and communicate their findings

• Apply their scientific knowledge to real-life situations

Practical investigations and first-hand experiences are an important part of our science curriculum. Children are encouraged to explore, test ideas and learn from observations, developing both their knowledge and confidence as young scientists.

In EYFS, adults support and extend children's thinking through purposeful questioning, modelling and discussion.

Impact

Our science curriculum helps children develop the knowledge, vocabulary and practical skills they need to understand the world around them. We want children to be curious, confident and enthusiastic about science, asking questions and enjoying finding out how things work.

By the end of Year 6, children will be able to use their scientific knowledge to ask questions, investigate, make observations, use evidence and explain their ideas using appropriate scientific vocabulary. 

We use ongoing formative assessment to monitor children's learning throughout each science lesson through exit tickets, checkpoints for understanding and low-stakes retrieval questions. These help teachers identify what children know, address misconceptions and plan for future learning.

At the end of the academic year, we use HeadStart assessments to track pupil progress and identify any gaps in knowledge. This information helps teachers plan appropriate support and ensure that children continue to build on their scientific understanding.

Ultimately, we want our children to leave primary school as curious, knowledgeable and confident young scientists, ready to apply their learning to the world around them.

Science Events

Science Dome 

To support geography and science learning, Science Dome UK visited Key Stage 2 to provide a fully immersive visual and interactive experience with a mobile planetarium, featuring topics covered in lessons. 

This was a wonderful experience for the children as they were able to ask questions to deepen their understanding across a range of topics and they had the opportunity to see geography and science 'brought to life'.

Phunky Foods

Phunky Foods is a school programme designed to teach early years and primary school children essential lessons on healthy eating and physical activity. Our Phunky Foods ambassadors have worked hard across the year, supporting classes and delivering assemblies, discussing the importance of being active and eating the correct amounts of different food groups. The children have learned about The Eatwell Guide through hands-on food experiences which make learning about healthy lifestyles engaging and interactive.

Year 5 visit to the Civic Centre

In March 2025, Year 5 visited the Civic Centre to enhance their learning about Space. They watched a fabulous interactive show and live commentary about the solar system. Then, they had a workshop ran by a real astronomer who has worked alongside Sir Tim Peake. They had the opportunity to create constellations from spaghetti and marshmallows and ended the session hearing about the Dark Sky Rangers' work at Cranborne Chase and the importance of reducing light pollution.

Science Week 2025 - 'Change and Adapt'

This year's Acorn Education Trust Science Week challenge was all about making music!

In Key Stage 1, the children were tasked with performing a tune using glass bottles. In Key Stage 2, the children built their very own bands and played a tune together using instruments they made in class. We discussed the ways in which we could make different sounds and pitches.

As well as making wonderful music, the children demonstrated great teamwork and communication skills, curiosity and creativity.

Science Week 2026 - 'Curiosity... what's your question?'

For this year's Acorn Education Trust Science Week challenge, the children were tasked with investigating this question - 'How do boats float?'

Children from Reception to Year 6 took part in an exciting whole-school challenge. Working in teams, they designed and built their own rafts, aiming to create a model that could float steadily on water. Once their designs were complete, the children tested each raft by adding marbles one by one to see which structure could hold the most weight before sinking.

The children developed important skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and resilience, all while having great fun exploring science in action!