Science
Intent for Science
We want children at Edison Primary School to grow into confident, curious learners that understand the world around them.
We support this through a consistent and well sequenced curriculum giving children regular chances to use scientific skills and vocabulary to explain what they discover.
Implementation
At Edison Primary School, science is delivered through the White Rose Science curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced progression of knowledge and scientific enquiry skills from Year 1 to Year 6. Science is taught by a specialist science teacher, ensuring high-quality subject knowledge and consistency across the school.
Lessons are enquiry-based and encourage children to ask questions, make predictions, observe, investigate and draw conclusions using scientific evidence. Key scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited to deepen understanding and support effective communication. Teachers use assessment to identify misconceptions and build on prior learning.
Enrichment opportunities, including outdoor learning, educational visits, visitors and whole-school science events, help pupils understand the relevance of science in everyday life while developing curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of scientific discovery.
EYFS Implementation
In EYFS, science is taught through the Understanding the World area of learning. Children learn by exploring, playing and talking about what they notice in the world around them. They have regular opportunities to investigate plants, animals, materials, weather and the changing seasons through practical activities, stories and outdoor learning. Adults encourage children to ask questions, make observations and share their ideas using simple scientific vocabulary.
Activities are planned to build on children's interests and experiences, helping them develop curiosity and confidence. These early experiences provide the foundations for scientific learning and prepare children well for the science curriculum in Key Stage 1.
KS1 Implementation
In Key Stage 1, children receive 1–2 hours of science each week, taught by both the class teacher and our specialist science teacher using the White Rose Science curriculum. Lessons are practical, engaging and encourage children to explore the world around them. They investigate, observe, ask questions and talk about what they notice, while developing their scientific vocabulary.
Through topics such as plants, animals, materials and seasonal changes, children begin to understand how science is part of everyday life. Teachers build on what children already know, address any misconceptions and provide opportunities for everyone to succeed. Outdoor learning and hands-on activities help make learning memorable, spark curiosity and build the confidence and skills children need as they move into Key Stage 2.
KS2 Implementation
In Key Stage 2, children receive 2 hours of science each week, taught by both the class teacher and our specialist science teacher using the White Rose Science curriculum. Lessons build on prior learning and give pupils regular opportunities to work scientifically through practical investigations, observations and enquiry. Children are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, carry out fair tests and use evidence to explain their ideas.
Scientific vocabulary is taught and revisited to help pupils communicate their understanding with confidence. Teachers use assessment to address misconceptions and ensure all pupils make good progress. Learning is enriched through outdoor investigations, visits and real-life experiences, helping children see how science is relevant to the world around them.
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are confident, curious learners who are well prepared for science at secondary school.
Impact for Science
As a result pupils make strong progress, with most working at or above the expected level.
By the time they leave Edison Primary School, they can use science to make sense of how things work and feel confident exploring new ideas.
Click here for our School Performance Data
whole school curriculum maps science.pdf