Our approach to teaching science is rooted in our Christian vision that every child is a unique gift from God and shaped by our core values of Love, Faith and Hope. At Christ Church, we believe science should inspire curiosity, develop critical thinking and help pupils understand the world around them through exploration, investigation and discovery.
Science is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum supported by the Kapow scheme, which helps ensure clear progression in knowledge, vocabulary and scientific skills from EYFS to Year 6. Leaders have worked to strengthen curriculum sequencing so that pupils build securely on prior learning over time, supporting the strong curriculum coherence identified within our SEF.
Our science curriculum develops pupils’ substantive knowledge alongside disciplinary knowledge, enabling children to work scientifically through questioning, observing, predicting, investigating and evaluating. Teachers explicitly model key scientific vocabulary and concepts so pupils can explain their thinking with increasing confidence and accuracy.
We believe science should be accessible and engaging for all learners. Teachers use adaptive teaching strategies, including scaffolding, practical resources and targeted questioning, to ensure pupils with SEND and EAL can successfully access scientific learning alongside their peers. Practical investigations and hands-on experiences support pupils in developing confidence, curiosity and independence as learners.
Through science, pupils are encouraged to explore the world with awe and wonder, making meaningful links between learning and real-life experiences. Opportunities for discussion and investigation help pupils develop resilience, collaboration and problem-solving skills while fostering respect for the world and those within it.
Assessment is used regularly to check understanding, identify misconceptions and inform future teaching. Leaders monitor science through pupil voice, book scrutiny and lesson visits to ensure pupils are building knowledge progressively and retaining key learning over time.
Our aim is for pupils to leave Christ Church as curious, knowledgeable and reflective learners who are confident in asking questions, investigating ideas and understanding the importance of science within the wider world.
John Chapter 1, V5 – ‘The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.‘