Science at Clifton

At Clifton, we want our children to be curious, inquisitive and excited about the world around them. Science gives children opportunities to ask questions, explore ideas, investigate, solve problems and develop an understanding of how the world works.

From Nursery to Year 6, we provide children with a rich range of experiences that build their scientific knowledge, vocabulary and skills over time.

Our Science Curriculum

From Reception to Year 6, we use the Kapow Primary Science curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced programme of learning aligned with the National Curriculum. New knowledge and skills build on previous learning, helping children to develop a secure and connected understanding of important scientific ideas.

Our curriculum develops three key areas:

• Scientific knowledge and understanding – learning about the natural and physical world.
• Working scientifically – learning how to observe, question, investigate, record and interpret evidence.
• Using science in context – understanding how science helps us to understand our everyday lives and the wider world.

Children revisit key areas of science, including plants, animals and humans, living things and their habitats, materials, forces, Earth and space, making connections between different areas of their learning.

Working Scientifically

Science is not just about learning facts. Children are taught how scientists work. They have opportunities to ask questions, make observations, make predictions, carry out investigations, take measurements, record results, identify patterns and use evidence to draw conclusions.

Practical experiences are carefully chosen to develop both children's scientific knowledge and their ability to work scientifically.

Science in Early Years

In Nursery and Reception, children's natural curiosity is encouraged through exploration, observation, discussion and hands-on experiences. Science learning is woven through our Early Years curriculum, particularly through Understanding the World, with activities linked to children's interests and experiences.

These early experiences provide the foundations for the more structured scientific learning children encounter as they move through school.

Supporting Every Child

We want every child to enjoy and succeed in science. Lessons provide opportunities for discussion, practical investigation and independent thinking, with appropriate support and challenge so that all children can access the curriculum and develop their understanding.

Teachers use questioning, discussion, observation and retrieval activities to check children's understanding and identify misconceptions. This helps us build on what children already know and plan future learning.

Our aim is that, by the time children leave Clifton, they have developed a secure body of scientific knowledge, confidence in using scientific vocabulary and the curiosity and skills to continue exploring the world around them.