Science
Science Curriculum Statement
At Nicol Mere, we aim to spark a lifelong curiosity and fascination with the world around us. Our science curriculum is designed to encourage children to become inquisitive learners, nurturing a sense of awe, wonder, and discovery through a broad and engaging programme of study.
We believe that science is not only about knowledge but also about developing the skills to question, explore, and investigate. Through high-quality teaching and carefully planned practical enquiries, children build the confidence to ask their own questions, test ideas, interpret evidence, and explain their findings using scientific vocabulary. Our approach ensures that pupils understand science’s relevance to their everyday lives and its importance to the wider world.
Intent
Our Science curriculum is designed to:
- Deliver a broad, balanced, and progressive curriculum across all year groups
- Equip children with core scientific knowledge and vocabulary
- Provide opportunities for hands-on, practical enquiry and development of investigative skills
- Foster a natural curiosity about the world and how things work
- Offer exciting and meaningful learning experiences, both in and beyond the classroom
- Promote our school values and British Values through collaboration, respect, and resilience
- Prepare pupils for future learning and real-world applications of science
Implementation
Science is taught weekly, with pupils in KS1 and KS2 receiving at least two hours of high-quality science education per week. Lessons are thoughtfully planned to be inclusive, practical, and knowledge-rich, enabling children to build a solid understanding of scientific concepts over time.
Key features of our delivery include:
- Differentiated lessons ensuring access for all learners through tailored support and resources
- Sequenced learning to support knowledge retention and progression from EYFS to Year 6
- Hands-on investigations using well-stocked science resources to practise enquiry skills
- ‘Wow’ starters to spark curiosity and engagement
- Use of the local environment to explore real-life scientific phenomena
- Regular opportunities to learn about inspirational scientists, past and present, and their contributions
- Explicit teaching and display of key vocabulary to strengthen scientific language and reasoning
- Cross-curricular links with maths, English, computing, and geography to embed understanding
- Use of assessment for learning throughout units to adapt teaching and identify misconceptions
- Summative assessments at the end of each topic, evaluating both knowledge and working scientifically skills
- Opportunities to enrich learning through visitors, science workshops, themed weeks, and trips
Our teachers are passionate about science and continuously monitor progression through planning, assessment, book scrutiny, and pupil voice. The curriculum is enhanced through our partnership with organisations such as the STEM association, helping to promote positive scientific role models and career pathways.
Impact
Our science curriculum enables children to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to explore scientific concepts independently and enthusiastically. Pupils leave Nicol Mere with a secure understanding of scientific methods, the ability to think critically, and a deep respect for the natural and physical world.
Children understand that science plays a key role in our future and are exposed to real-world applications that demonstrate its impact—from environmental awareness to health, technology, and innovation. Through our enriching provision and inclusive approach, all children are empowered to see themselves as capable scientists, equipped with the tools to ask questions, seek answers, and shape the future.