Intent

At The Grange Academy, our science curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, nurture a sense of wonder about the natural world, and develop pupils into confident, critical thinkers. Through a blend of practical, hands-on learning and systematic knowledge acquisition, we aim to cultivate inquisitive minds that ask questions, explore ideas, and seek to understand scientific phenomena in real-world contexts.

We place a strong emphasis on working scientifically, enabling pupils to experience science first-hand by:

• Asking meaningful questions and making predictions.
• Planning and conducting practical investigations.
• Collecting, analysing, and evaluating data to draw logical conclusions.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge and revisit key concepts across year groups, ensuring scientific understanding is embedded and deepened over time. Regular opportunities for retrieval practice allow pupils to consolidate learning, connect ideas across units, and see the relevance of science to their everyday lives.

We celebrate the achievements of key historical scientists while also exploring the work of modern scientists to demonstrate the continuing impact of science on the world. By highlighting future career opportunities, we encourage pupils to see science as a vital and accessible pathway for their own aspirations.

Through science at The Grange Academy, pupils will:

• Develop the skills to think critically, solve problems, and approach challenges methodically.
• Understand the importance of science in shaping the past, present, and future.
• Appreciate how science connects to other subjects and wider global issues, including sustainability and technology.

Our ultimate aim is for pupils to leave The Grange Academy with a secure understanding of scientific principles, an enthusiasm for discovery, and the confidence to see themselves as scientists of the future—ready to tackle new challenges and embrace lifelong learning.

Implementation

At The Grange Academy, our science curriculum is delivered through a well-sequenced, hands-on, and knowledge-rich approach that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific skills. Pupils receive two hours of science teaching per week. We ensure that pupils experience practical investigations, make connections across topics, and see the relevance of science in the real world. The curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ understanding of substantive scientific knowledge and disciplinary working scientifically skills across the following key areas:

1. Biology: Living things and their habitats, plants, and animals including humans.
2. Chemistry: Properties of materials, states of matter, and physical/chemical changes.
3. Physics: Light, sound, electricity, forces, and space.

Curriculum Structure

• Weekly Science Lessons: Science is taught through two discrete weekly sessions, ensuring consistent coverage and progression of substantive knowledge and disciplinary skills across all year groups.
• Hands-on Learning: Each unit of work incorporates practical investigations, experiments, and WOW moments to allow pupils to work scientifically. For example: setting up fair tests, comparative investigations, and presenting findings using models, diagrams, and charts.

Working Scientifically

• Pupils develop the skills to ask questions, observe, measure, record data, classify, and draw conclusions through a range of scientific enquiries. Each year group builds upon prior knowledge, with progression carefully mapped across topics:
  • Lower KS2: Simple practical investigations, systematic observations, and recording results in tables and charts.
  • Upper KS2: Planning more complex investigations, controlling variables, using accurate measurements, and presenting findings using graphs and scientific explanations.

Progression of Knowledge and Skills

Our curriculum follows a clear progression, as outlined in our Science Knowledge and Skills Coverage documents. Key elements include:

• Revisiting and building on prior learning to embed knowledge and ensure long-term retention.
• Regular use of retrieval practice through low-stakes quizzes, questioning, and recaps at the start of lessons.
• Integration of substantive knowledge and working scientifically skills (e.g., observing over time, comparative tests, identifying patterns).

Real-World Contexts

• Pupils explore the contributions of historical and modern scientists such as Jane Goodall, Isaac Newton, and Carl Linnaeus, alongside their scientific discoveries.
• Cross-curricular links are embedded throughout units, connecting science to mathematics (e.g., presenting results in graphs), geography (e.g., climate change), and design technology (e.g., circuits and forces).
• STEM career opportunities are highlighted to inspire future aspirations.

Assessment and Monitoring

• Formative assessment is ongoing and includes questioning, observation, and pupil discussions.
• Summative assessment: At the end of each unit, pupils’ learning is assessed through quizzes, presentations, and practical activities. Teachers use assessment outcomes to inform future teaching.
• Science progression documents are used to ensure skills and knowledge coverage, and to monitor progress across year groups.

Enrichment Opportunities

• Pupils’ engagement in science is enhanced through special events and experiences, such as:
  • Science WOW Days: Hands-on workshops, visits from scientists, and themed activities.
  • Outdoor Learning: Use of the school’s woodland area for investigations such as habitats, plants, and environmental changes.
  • STEM Competitions: Opportunities to apply their scientific understanding to problem-solving challenges.

By combining high-quality teaching, practical experiences, and meaningful connections to the real world, we ensure that pupils leave The Grange Academy with a solid foundation of scientific knowledge, a love of discovery, and the skills to think and work like scientists.

Impact

At The Grange Academy, the impact of our science curriculum is evident in the outcomes for our pupils, who develop a strong foundation of scientific knowledge, skills, and curiosity. Through carefully sequenced teaching, hands-on learning, and high-quality experiences, pupils leave our school as confident, inquisitive, and reflective learners, equipped to understand and engage with the scientific world.

The impact of our science curriculum is demonstrated as pupils:

• Develop deep scientific knowledge: Pupils acquire a secure understanding of key concepts across biology, chemistry, and physics. They can recall and apply their knowledge to explain scientific phenomena, recognising science’s relevance to the world around them.
• Think and work like scientists: Pupils develop their disciplinary skills by asking questions, planning investigations, observing, recording, and evaluating results. They can communicate their findings confidently using scientific vocabulary, diagrams, and data presentations.
• Demonstrate curiosity and critical thinking: Pupils are inspired to ask meaningful questions and approach challenges with problem-solving skills. They use logical reasoning and evidence to draw conclusions, showing resilience and perseverance when faced with scientific problems.
• Make connections and real-world links: Pupils understand how science shapes everyday life, from exploring environmental sustainability to the importance of healthy lifestyles. They connect their learning to the work of significant scientists—both historical and modern—and can identify how science contributes to future careers and innovation.
• Show enthusiasm for science: Pupils talk positively about their experiences in science lessons, WOW days, and outdoor learning opportunities. They demonstrate excitement when participating in practical investigations and a genuine interest in exploring the world scientifically.

The impact of our science curriculum is regularly monitored through:

• Pupil Voice: Pupils confidently articulate their learning, discussing investigations, key concepts, and real-world applications.
• Assessment: Formative and summative assessments demonstrate that pupils are meeting or exceeding age-related expectations. Misconceptions are addressed, and knowledge is embedded through retrieval practice and skill development.
• Work Scrutiny: Pupils’ work reflects progression, curiosity, and a balance of knowledge and enquiry skills, with evidence of clear explanations, accurate observations, and scientific reasoning.
• Teacher Feedback: Teachers report increased confidence in delivering practical and engaging science lessons, ensuring consistent, high-quality teaching.

By the time pupils leave The Grange Academy, they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to continue their scientific learning at secondary school and beyond. They are ready to engage with the challenges of an ever-changing world, armed with critical thinking, curiosity, and the ability to ask questions and seek answers—skills that align with our Learning for Life vision. Pupils leave us inspired to see themselves as scientists of the future, capable of making a positive impact on the world.