Science
At Boothroyd Primary Academy, we believe every child is a scientist in the making. Our science curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and develop a deep understanding of the world through the key disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Through rich, hands-on learning experiences, we nurture children’s natural inquisitiveness, encouraging them to ask questions, explore ideas and think critically. Our aim is to inspire a lifelong love of science.
Our science curriculum follows the White Rose Science scheme, providing a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6. Learning is broken down into small, progressive steps so that pupils build securely on prior knowledge over time.
🧠 Substantive Knowledge: Areas of Science
Pupils develop knowledge across the three main areas:
Biology – animals including humans, plants, living things and their habitats, evolution and inheritance
Chemistry – materials, rocks, states of matter and their properties and changes
Physics – forces, light, sound, electricity and Earth and space
🔍 Disciplinary Knowledge: Working Scientifically
At the heart of our curriculum are key scientific enquiry skills, which are explicitly taught and revisited across all year groups. These are:
Observing – carefully noticing changes and patterns over time
Fair testing – planning and carrying out investigations where variables are controlled
Identifying and classifying – grouping and sorting based on similarities and differences
Pattern seeking – spotting relationships and trends in data
Comparing – identifying similarities and differences between objects or results
Researching – using secondary sources to find information
Problem solving – applying scientific knowledge to explain and investigate questions
These enquiry types are embedded throughout lessons, enabling pupils to think and work like scientists with increasing independence.
🗣️ Scientific Vocabulary
Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and carefully sequenced from Year 1 to Year 6. Pupils are introduced to key terms and given regular opportunities to revisit and apply them, allowing them to communicate their ideas clearly and accurately.
🧪 Practical and Enquiry-Based Learning
Science at Boothroyd is practical, engaging and enquiry-driven. Pupils take part in hands-on investigations, discussions and real-life problem-solving activities, helping them to develop confidence, resilience and curiosity.
🌍 Real-World Connections
Our curriculum supports pupils in understanding the relevance of science in everyday life, including themes such as sustainability, environmental awareness and human impact on the world.
📈 Outcome
Through our science curriculum, pupils leave Boothroyd with:
Secure knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics
Strong scientific enquiry skills, including fair testing and observation
A rich scientific vocabulary
Curiosity, confidence and enthusiasm for science
