Science

At Rivermead, our Science curriculum is designed to develop curious, confident, and independent learners who are inspired to ask questions about the world around them. Through engaging and purposeful learning, we aim to cultivate a lifelong love of science by enabling children to explore, investigate, and discover.

We want every child to understand the importance of science in everyday life and to see themselves as scientists. Our curriculum ensures all pupils:

• Develop mastery of core scientific knowledge and working scientifically skills, aligned with the National Curriculum
• Are exposed to a broad range of enquiry types, becoming independent investigators
• Access a progressive and challenging science journey from Reception to Year 6
• Engage with real-world contexts and rich scientific vocabulary that supports understanding across the curriculum
• Feel included and supported through adapted teaching strategies, so all learners can thrive.

Science at Rivermead goes beyond knowledge acquisition: it promotes oracy, inquiry, connections to prior learning, and a strong sense of community, reflecting our school’s core drivers.

How we teach Science

We follow a combined inquiry-based and teacher-led approach, using the Developing Experts scheme as our main resource. Lessons are adapted to meet the needs and interests of our pupils, supporting a wide range of learning styles and abilities. Key features:

• High-quality, well-sequenced lessons that build progressively on prior knowledge and skills

• Clear coverage of working scientifically strands, ensuring children ask questions, plan investigations, observe, record data, and draw conclusions

• Teachers use PLAN assessment matrices to ensure progression and continuity across year groups

• Knowledge organisers are introduced at the start of each unit to support vocabulary development and retrieval

• Strong links to oracy, with frequent opportunities for pupils to articulate findings, use scientific vocabulary, and collaborate in discussions

• Outdoor learning, practical experiments, and first-hand experiences enhance engagement and understanding.

• Children explore Science Technology Engineers Maths (STEM) careers through expert videos and role models, broadening aspirations and reflecting our commitment to real-life connections.

Impact

Our Science curriculum fosters engaged, knowledgeable learners who understand the significance of science in the past, present, and future. We are proud to see children talk about their science learning with excitement and confidence.

We measure impact is through:

1. Formative and summative assessment during and after each unit, using a variety of methods: practical observations, discussions, retrieval tasks, written work, and end-of-unit assessments.

2. Teacher judgement using our school’s assessment grids, which are aligned with both National Curriculum objectives and Developing Experts content.

3. Summative judgements made at the end of each academic year based on whether pupils are working towards, at, or beyond expectations.

4. Ongoing tracking and gap analysis to inform future planning and targeted support.

Beyond assessment, we know our curriculum is impactful when:

• Children speak confidently using scientific vocabulary.

• They make meaningful links between past and present learning.

• They demonstrate practical scientific understanding through investigation.

• They see science as something they can pursue as a passion or a future career.

Ultimately, our goal is that all Rivermead pupils leave primary school with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to explore the world scientifically, ready for the challenges and opportunities of secondary school and beyond.

Science