At Marshgate Primary School, we believe science should be inspiring, tapping into children’s natural curiosity and excitement of the world around them. We aim to deepen children’s scientific knowledge while understanding the methods and uses of science. We seek to ensure that the children can apply their understanding, develop respect for their environment, and empower them to understand how they can impact and change the world; they are the next generation of scientists.

The school follows the structure of White Rose science planning documents. This ensures Marshgate Learning and Teaching fulfils all aims of the National Curriculum and that children are given an understanding of scientific knowledge and skills to help them think and work scientifically. Substantive and disciplinary knowledge underpin each other – children learn substantive knowledge (knowledge of concepts and theories) and disciplinary knowledge (knowledge of how this knowledge is generated and how to carry out practical procedures).  

Learning and Teaching is delivered to ensure the learning is memorable and key knowledge, vocabulary and skills are remembered and applied to new learning. Scientists are thoughtfully selected to reflect our learning, contemporary science links, and our school community. We strive to provide enrichment activities that will help our learners develop important life skills, as well as offering cultural capital and engagement with our wider community (e.g. visits to Richmond Park, Kew Gardens and our involvement in various research or science projects).

Science in the Early Years

During the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) the essential building blocks of science and the natural world are established. There are regular opportunities for children to engage in science and investigative activities. By the end of the EYFS children should be able to:

- Explore the world around them.

- Describe what they see, hear and feel when engaged in practical scientific activities.

- Begin to understand the effects of simple processes and changes in the natural world, like seasonal changes.

Assessment in Science

Assessment is used to inform future lessons, ensuring children are supported and challenged appropriately. At the end of each unit of study, children are assessed. Final end-of-year assessments are made using criteria in line with the National Curriculum to identify the level at which the child is working. Children in Early Years are assessed within Understanding the World from the Early Years Framework. Age-related expectation levels are reported to parents at the end of each year.

Science is monitored through a variety of strategies, including planning and book scrutiny, learning walks, and pupil voice activities.