At Badgerbrook, we believe science is essential for helping children understand the world around them and inspiring them to become curious, critical thinkers. Our curriculum is designed to provide a broad, balanced, and engaging science
education that builds knowledge and skills progressively from Key Stage 1 (KS1) through Key Stage 2 (KS2).
Our Curriculum Design
• The science curriculum follows a spiral structure, meaning key concepts are revisited and built upon over time. This approach ensures that children retain knowledge, deepen their understanding, and make meaningful links between topics.
• We make cross-curricular connections to enrich learning. For example:
o Studying the water cycle in geography alongside states of matter in science.
o Linking data handling in maths with scientific investigations.
• This design helps pupils see how science relates to real-world contexts and other subjects.
How We Teach Science
• Every lesson begins with retrieval practice, revisiting prior learning to strengthen memory and address misconceptions.
• New content is introduced through explicit instruction, supported by practical activities and discussions.
• We use spaced retrieval techniques, such as:
o Low-stakes quizzes at the end of units.
o Follow-up quizzes later in the year to reinforce long-term retention.
• Lessons encourage hands-on exploration, questioning, and problem-solving to develop scientific thinking.
What Children Learn
Our curriculum is fully aligned with the National Curriculum and enriched with Discovery Trust content to provide a first-class education. It focuses on two key strands:
• Substantive Knowledge – the core scientific facts and concepts (e.g., forces, materials, living things).
• Disciplinary Knowledge – the skills of working scientifically, such as:
o Planning and carrying out investigations.
o Making observations and measurements.
o Recording and interpreting data.
o Drawing conclusions based on evidence.
Assessment and Progression
• We use an embedded assessment framework to track progress in:
o Knowledge – what pupils know and remember.
o Skills – how they apply scientific methods.
o Vocabulary – using scientific language accurately.
• Teachers use this information to adapt teaching, ensuring every child achieves their potential.
Time Allocation
• Science is taught for one hour per week in both KS1 and KS2.
• Additional opportunities for science learning are provided through crosscurricular projects and enrichment activities.
Adaptability and Local Links
• Our curriculum is flexible, allowing us to incorporate local context, such as:
o Studying local habitats.
o Exploring environmental issues in the community.
• This makes science relevant and meaningful for pupils.
Enrichment Opportunities
We believe science should be exciting and inspiring. To bring learning to life, we provide:
• Educational visits to science museums, nature reserves, and local industries.
• Visitors and experts who share real-world applications of science.
• Digital tools, including VR headsets, to create immersive learning experiences.
Why Science Matters
Science helps children:
• Develop curiosity and a love of learning.
• Understand the impact of science on everyday life.
• Build skills for the future, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
