Science
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Exploring, investigating and understanding the world around us
At Bosley St Mary's CE Primary School, we believe that every child is a scientist, naturally curious about the world around them. Our science curriculum encourages children to ask questions, explore ideas, investigate and discover, developing a lifelong fascination with how the world works.
Science helps children understand the natural and physical world, recognise the importance of scientific discoveries and appreciate how science influences our everyday lives and our future.
Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum for England, developing children's knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and physics, alongside the essential skills of scientific enquiry.
How We Teach Science
Our science teaching develops secure scientific knowledge alongside practical enquiry, investigation and discussion, encouraging children to think and work scientifically.
We place particular emphasis on three key areas:
- Scientific knowledge: Developing secure understanding of important scientific concepts and building on prior learning.
- Working scientifically: Learning to ask questions, make predictions, observe, investigate, measure, record results and draw conclusions.
- Scientific vocabulary: Explicitly teaching the language of science so that children can explain their observations, communicate their findings and discuss scientific ideas confidently.
- Children learn through a combination of explicit teaching, practical investigations, discussion, observation and reflection. We encourage them to make connections, challenge their thinking and apply their knowledge to new situations.
Our Curriculum Approach
At Bosley St Mary's, we have developed a carefully sequenced, two-year rolling science curriculum based on Oak National Academy's curriculum resources.
We have chosen Oak because of its evidence-informed, knowledge-rich approach, developed with input from subject specialists and curriculum experts. Its carefully structured learning builds scientific knowledge, understanding and vocabulary progressively, whilst developing the essential skills of scientific enquiry.
We have thoughtfully adapted the curriculum to reflect the needs of our children, our mixed-age classes and our unique rural setting, whilst maintaining coverage of the National Curriculum.
Our approach combines Oak's curriculum design with purposeful practical investigations, outdoor learning and opportunities to explore the natural world, ensuring that science is engaging, inclusive and meaningful for every learner.
Working Scientifically
Practical enquiry is at the heart of science at Bosley.
Children are encouraged to think and work like scientists, developing their investigative skills through a range of scientific enquiries.
These include:
- Observing over time: Noticing and recording how things change.
- Identifying and classifying: Recognising similarities, differences and patterns.
- Pattern seeking: Exploring relationships between observations and results.
- Comparative and fair testing: Investigating questions by changing and controlling variables, where appropriate.
- Research: Using scientific information and secondary sources to answer questions and deepen understanding.
As children progress through school, they develop increasing independence in planning investigations, selecting equipment, recording findings and evaluating evidence.
Science Beyond the Classroom
Our rural setting provides wonderful opportunities to explore science in meaningful and practical ways.
We make use of our school grounds, Forest School and the surrounding natural environment to investigate plants, animals, habitats, seasonal changes and the wider world.
Wherever possible, children experience science first-hand, applying their learning through outdoor investigations, practical challenges and connections with other curriculum subjects.
We also encourage children to recognise the importance of science in everyday life, from understanding their own bodies and caring for the environment to exploring materials, forces and technological developments.
Science for Every Learner
We believe that every child should have the opportunity to participate, investigate and succeed in science.
Through clear explanations, practical resources, appropriate scaffolding and carefully planned challenges, we ensure that all children can access an ambitious science curriculum.
Regular assessment, questioning and discussion help teachers identify misconceptions, revisit important knowledge and support children in developing increasingly secure understanding.
We encourage children to approach scientific challenges with curiosity, resilience and an open mind, recognising that questioning, investigating and learning from unexpected results are all important parts of scientific discovery.
Our ambition is for every child to leave Bosley as a curious, knowledgeable and confident young scientist, equipped with the understanding and investigative skills to explore the world, ask thoughtful questions and make informed decisions about the future.