Our science curriculum encompasses all areas of the National Curriculum for Science outlined by the Department for Education. We believe that every pupil should enjoy science education, developing firm foundations of understanding through a curriculum that provides opportunities to explore, question, and investigate the world around them with curiosity.

Within our science curriculum, pupils will recall and build upon prior knowledge in order to understand how scientific concepts interlink. Children will have opportunities to work collaboratively, engage in practical enquiry, and discuss their reasoning to become articulate scientists. We want every child to experience success in science by removing barriers to learning and using effective scaffolding and resourcing to support all learners.

At the Magdalen CoE/Methodist Primary, we adopt an enquiry-based approach, underpinned by the Working Scientifically framework to ensure knowledge is retained and applied. Lessons are structured to include both knowledge acquisition and hands-on investigation. Knowledge sessions develop secure understanding of key scientific ideas, while practical sessions allow children to apply this knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Scientific enquiry is central to our curriculum, enabling pupils to ask questions, make predictions, and draw conclusions based on evidence. Lessons are carefully sequenced to ensure small steps of learning through explicit teacher modelling, guided practice, partner work, and independent investigation, drawing on Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction to support effective teaching and learning. Concrete experiences and visual representations are used to make abstract concepts accessible, supporting children to develop conceptual understanding.

Lessons include carefully designed questions to expose misconceptions and deepen thinking, allowing children to understand not only what a concept is, but what it isn’t. This approach ensures pupils develop critical thinking skills and a secure grasp of scientific principles, preparing them to apply their knowledge in a range of contexts.

Sustainability

The sustainability and climate action change strategy for education states: “By 2025, all education settings will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan”. At Magdalen we are striving for every child to be aware of and involved in our sustainability plans. This has been carefully planned and linked throughout our curriculum, shown in our Climate Action Plan and through our dedicated Eco Club. Please see the link to the government Sustainability initiative:

Sustainability leadership and climate action plans in education - GOV.UK