Science at Monkfield Park:

Science at Monkfield Park Primary School aims to inspire curiosity, creativity and a lifelong fascination with the world around us. Through our use of the Developing Experts curriculum, children explore, question and understand the natural and physical world through investigation, discovery and critical thinking. We aim to develop confident young scientists who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and vocabulary needed to make sense of the world, embrace innovation and contribute positively to society. Through a rich, inclusive and engaging curriculum, all children develop a sense of wonder and an appreciation of how science impacts their daily lives and future opportunities.

Key Aims

At Monkfield Park, the Am I RIPER values are at the heart of science, underpinning our aims and shaping children into Inquisitive, Resilient, Independent, Pragmatic, Enthusiastic and Reflective learners. Through these characteristics, pupils develop as curious, confident and capable scientists who embrace challenge, think critically, work collaboratively and cultivate a lifelong love of discovery.

· To develop Inquisitive learners who are curious about the world around them, ask thoughtful questions and challenge themselves to seek evidence-based answers.

· To nurture Resilient scientists who understand that mistakes are a valuable part of learning and use setbacks as opportunities to develop their thinking and investigations.

· To foster Independent learners who can plan approaches to scientific enquiry, record findings in a variety of ways and communicate their ideas using accurate scientific vocabulary.

· To encourage Pragmatic thinking through practical, hands-on investigations where pupils work methodically, safely and collaboratively to solve problems and test ideas.

·  To cultivate Enthusiastic scientists who actively engage with classroom learning and embrace wider scientific opportunities, including homework projects, educational visits, workshops and STEM enrichment activities.

· To develop Reflective learners who observe the world around them, make connections between different areas of learning, evaluate evidence and make informed predictions.

In addition we aim:

· To provide a broad, ambitious and knowledge-rich science curriculum that builds progressively from Early Years through to Year 6.

· To ensure all pupils acquire and confidently use scientific knowledge and vocabulary to explain concepts, discuss findings and communicate their understanding effectively.

· To inspire children to see themselves as scientists, raising aspirations and increasing awareness of future STEM pathways and careers.

· To ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, EAL and other additional needs, can access, enjoy and succeed in science through high-quality inclusive teaching.

· To foster respect for the environment and develop an understanding of humanity's responsibility to care for and sustain the natural world.

Content and Skills

Pupils will build secure, sequenced knowledge and practical skills across the key areas of science:

• Biology: understanding living things, habitats, life cycles, the human body, health and nutrition, and evolution and inheritance.
• Chemistry: exploring materials, their properties, states of matter and how substances can change.
• Physics: learning about forces, sound, light, electricity, Earth and space, and seasonal changes.
• Working Scientifically: observing over time, pattern seeking, identifying and classifying, comparative and fair testing, and researching using secondary sources.

Teaching will emphasise both substantive knowledge (scientific facts, concepts and theories) and disciplinary knowledge (how scientists work and think). Children will engage in practical investigations, collaborative discussion, problem solving and real-world applications. Scientific vocabulary will be explicitly taught and revisited regularly, with retrieval practice used to strengthen long-term understanding and retention.

Progression

Learning is carefully sequenced so that scientific knowledge and enquiry skills build systematically over time:

• Early Years Foundation Stage: children explore the world through play, observation and first-hand experiences, developing curiosity and beginning to notice patterns and changes.
• Key Stage 1: pupils develop foundational knowledge about plants, animals, materials and seasonal changes while learning to ask simple questions and make observations.
• Lower Key Stage 2: children deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and begin carrying out more structured investigations, recognising patterns and using evidence to support ideas.
• Upper Key Stage 2: pupils develop increasingly sophisticated scientific thinking, making predictions, controlling variables, analysing results and explaining complex concepts using accurate scientific language.

Progression ensures pupils revisit key concepts, address misconceptions and make meaningful connections between different areas of science. Assessment informs teaching and supports all learners in making secure progress.

Wider Impact

Science plays a vital role in developing inquisitive, informed and responsible citizens. Through high-quality science education, pupils gain the confidence to engage with important issues such as sustainability, climate change, health and technological advancement. They learn to think critically, evaluate evidence and make informed decisions.

Science supports wider school priorities by promoting resilience, independence, communication and teamwork. It provides meaningful opportunities for English, Mathematics and digital learning across the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to see the relevance of science in everyday life and are inspired by the achievements of scientists from diverse backgrounds.

Aspirational outcomes for pupils: children will leave Year 6 with a secure understanding of key scientific concepts, strong enquiry skills and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. They will be curious, analytical thinkers who can question, investigate and communicate effectively, ready for the next stage of education and equipped to thrive in an increasingly scientific and technological world.