At Tewin Cowper Primary School, we recognise that science has changed our lives and that a strong understanding of scientific principles is vital for the future of our world. Inspired by our mustard seed vision, we nurture children’s natural curiosity so that small questions grow into confident enquiry, deep understanding and a lifelong interest in science. 

What we want children to learn 

Our intent is to provide a high-quality science education that develops children’s curiosity, knowledge and understanding of the world around them. 

We aim for pupils to: 

• Develop secure scientific knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics
• Understand how science explains everyday events, helps us make predictions and analyse cause and effect 
• Develop strong enquiry skills and an understanding of how scientists work 
• Use scientific vocabulary confidently and accurately 
• Recognise the importance of science in today’s world and for the future 

Through science, children learn to ask questions, investigate, observe patterns and draw conclusions, helping them to become confident, thoughtful young scientists. 

How science is taught 

Science is taught using Kapow Primary to support planning and progression, ensuring full coverage of the National Curriculum. Learning is carefully sequenced year by year, with class teachers responsible for ensuring all statutory content is taught. 

Science learning is hands-on and practical, mirroring the work of real scientists and maintaining high levels of engagement and curiosity. 

In EYFS, science is taught through Understanding the World. Learning is play-based and child-initiated, with children encouraged to explore their environment, notice changes, spot patterns and make predictions. This provides a strong foundation for scientific learning in later years. 

Across Key Stages 1 and 2, learning is organised through three key strands: 

• Scientific knowledge and understanding (biology, chemistry and physics) 
• Working scientifically (enquiry skills and methods) 
• Science in action (understanding the impact and uses of science) 

Pupils develop knowledge and understanding across seven key areas: 

• Plants
• Animals including humans 
• Living things and their habitats 
• Materials 
• Energy 
• Forces, Earth and space 
• Making connections 

Working scientifically is embedded in every unit, ensuring that pupils regularly practise enquiry skills such as observing, questioning, predicting, testing and recording. 

Teachers regularly assess understanding throughout each unit using retrieval activities and discussion. Where misconceptions arise, learning is adapted to address gaps before moving on. Scientific vocabulary is taught explicitly, supported by knowledge organisers and working walls, enabling pupils to use accurate language in discussion and written explanations. 

What children achieve 

Through a carefully planned and well-sequenced science curriculum, pupils develop strong scientific understanding and confidence over time. 

By the time pupils leave Tewin Cowper, they will: 

• Have a secure understanding of key scientific concepts across biology, chemistry and physics
• Use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently
• Apply enquiry skills to investigate questions and explain their thinking
• Make connections between prior learning and new scientific knowledge
• Talk confidently about how scientific developments impact everyday life and the wider world
• Meet the end of key stage expectations outlined in the National Curriculum for Science 

Science books show clear progression, high-quality vocabulary and evidence of children making meaningful connections between concepts. Pupils are able to recall prior learning, apply it to new contexts and explain how science helps us understand and shape the world around us. 

As a result, pupils leave Tewin Cowper believing in their ability to investigate and enquire, growing in scientific knowledge and curiosity, and succeeding as confident learners ready for the next stage of their education.