Science at Elloughton Primary School
Inspired to learn through science

At Elloughton Primary School, our science curriculum aims to provide the foundation for understanding the world around us through biology, chemistry and physics. 

We encourage our pupils to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena through our science curriculum which starts in our Early Years provision.

Science encourages pupils to ask questions, explore ideas and investigate how the world works. Through these experiences, children develop the skills needed to think scientifically and understand the importance of science in everyday life.Pupils develop knowledge across three main areas of science:

biology – the study of living things
chemistry – the study of materials and their properties
physics – the study of forces, energy and how things work

Through these areas, pupils develop an understanding of how scientific discoveries have shaped our lives and how science continues to influence the world around us.

Working as Scientists
In science lessons, pupils learn to think and work as scientists. They develop enquiry skills that allow them to investigate questions and explore scientific ideas.
Pupils learn to:

• ask scientific questions
• make predictions
• carry out investigations
• observe and measure carefully
• record results and data
• draw conclusions based on evidence

​These skills help pupils develop logical thinking and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Scientific Enquiry
​Throughout their time at Elloughton Primary School, pupils develop their understanding of the different ways scientists investigate the world.

The five types of scientific enquiry include:

observing over time
pattern seeking
identifying, grouping and classifying
comparative and fair testing
research using secondary sources
​
By experiencing a variety of enquiry types, pupils learn how scientists gather evidence and develop explanations about the world around them.

Practical Science 
Practical investigation plays an important role in science lessons. Pupils are given regular opportunities to explore scientific ideas through hands-on experiences.
​Science lessons include: practical experiments and investigations careful observation and measurement discussion and questioning recording results using tables, diagrams or charts using scientific vocabulary to explain ideas These experiences help pupils develop confidence when investigating and interpreting scientific information..

Revisiting and Developing Knowledge
​ Scientific knowledge and enquiry skills are revisited throughout the curriculum so that pupils can build on their understanding over time. This progression helps pupils deepen their knowledge and make connections between different areas of science as they move through the school..

Supporting All Learners
​At Elloughton Primary School, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to succeed in science. Teachers support pupils through modelling, questioning and practical demonstrations.
​Learning is carefully adapted so that all pupils can access scientific investigations and develop their understanding. Additional support may include scaffolded tasks, visual resources or guided practical activities.

The Impact of Our Science Curriculum
By the time pupils leave Elloughton Primary School, they have developed a strong understanding of key scientific ideas and the skills needed to investigate questions scientifically. Pupils leave primary school with curiosity about the world, confidence in scientific thinking and the ability to apply their knowledge to real-life situations.

Key Vocabulary
In science, pupils develop and use subject-specific vocabulary to describe and explain scientific ideas.
Examples of key vocabulary include:
​
observe
predict
classify
investigation
variable
energy
force
adaptation

​Developing secure scientific vocabulary helps pupils communicate their ideas clearly and deepen their understanding of scientific concepts.

Further Information
​ If you would like further information about the science curriculum at Elloughton Primary School, please contact the school office who will direct your enquiry to the relevant subject leader.