Intent
Our science curriculum empowers pupils to take on the world by building deep knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics while nurturing essential scientific skills. It is inclusive and meaningful, ensuring every child experiences the joy of discovery and connects learning to life beyond the classroom. Through science, pupils appreciate how knowledge and skills can tackle global challenges, inspiring them to be brave in questioning, kind in collaboration, and curious about the unknown.
The scheme promotes critical thinking, encouraging pupils to ask perceptive questions, challenge misconceptions, and analyse evidence. Practical investigations and progressive skill-building foster confidence and scientific literacy, using rich vocabulary to communicate ideas effectively. By sparking curiosity and excitement, we develop learners who embrace complexity, think creatively, and approach problems with courage and compassion. Science at Daven Primary is preparation for a future, where pupils confidently shape and improve the world.
Implementation
Our science curriculum is designed to empower pupils to take on the world by combining deep knowledge with practical skills and curiosity-driven learning. Following the National Curriculum, Kapow’s scheme focuses on three strands:
- Scientific knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Working scientifically, developing enquiry skills to answer questions about the world.
- Science in action, exploring the impact of science past, present, and future.
How the scheme is organised
The spiral structure ensures essential knowledge and skills are revisited with increasing complexity, building confidence and progression. Frequent recall activities strengthen memory and understanding, while cross-curricular links help pupils apply science beyond the classroom. Each unit introduces specialist vocabulary and integrates enquiry skills within conceptual learning, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving.
Practical investigations are central, encouraging pupils to be brave in experimenting, kind in collaboration, and curious about outcomes. EYFS lays strong foundations through hands-on exploration, sparking early excitement for the natural world.
Adaptability is key: every lesson includes guidance for supporting all learners and stretching those ready for challenge. Knowledge organisers highlight essential concepts and vocabulary, aiding revision and adaptive teaching. Teacher confidence is strengthened through embedded CPD—videos and resources from subject specialists address misconceptions, model practical tasks, and scientific advice.
The seven key areas
Impact
The impact of our science curriculum is measured through ongoing formative and summative assessments, ensuring pupils develop secure knowledge and skills. Each lesson begins with a Flashback 4 activity to revisit prior learning, strengthening recall and embedding key concepts over time. Teachers use clear guidance to assess progress against learning objectives and enquiry skills, while unit quizzes and knowledge catchers provide summative checks.
To celebrate achievement and deepen understanding, pupils take part in end-of-unit showcases, where they present investigations and explain concepts using accurate scientific vocabulary. These events empower pupils to demonstrate confidence, curiosity, and communication skills—hallmarks of our vision to prepare them to take on the world.
By the end of primary school, pupils will:
- Build strong foundations in biology, chemistry, and physics, meeting National Curriculum expectations.
- Apply enquiry skills to ask perceptive questions, analyse evidence, and draw conclusions.
- Use equipment accurately, record and present data in varied formats, and interpret patterns.
- Communicate ideas clearly using scientific language, demonstrating scientific literacy.
- Understand the role of science in society and its impact on global challenges.
Through practical investigations, reflective discussions, and real-world connections, pupils leave Daven Primary equipped not only for Key Stage 3 but for life beyond school—ready to question, innovate, and lead with confidence and compassion.