SUBJECT LEADER: MRS S POLSON

Our Science Vision

Science and Engineering are vitally important industries in the modern world. Even if children do not become scientists or engineers they will grow up in a world that requires scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. Science is all around us and helps children to make sense of the world.

At Renhold Primary School we recognise the importance of Science and strive to maintain a high profile for the subject within our school. Our desire to empower and motivate children to develop a lifelong love of science is reflected in our curriculum, extra- curricular activities and nurturing learning environments.

A scientist observes, questions, creates hypotheses, experiments, records data, and then analyses that data. All children can be scientists by following their own natural curiosity, and at Renhold Primary, teachers help to build and reinforce these skills so that children are able to thrive and achieve.

Renhold Primary School aspires to provide excellent opportunities for Science so that children can: - Make meaningful links between classroom learning and the real world in order to develop their      understanding of Science

- Develop scientific literacy and critical thinking skills by designing and carrying out their own       investigations

- Make progress; growing and fulfilling their potential regardless of their circumstances

- Nurture their curiosity by asking ‘big’ questions, in turn developing wonderment and a sense of excitement

For the above principles to be achieved, we will:

- Provide frequent, high-quality, real-life experiences related to Science

- Provide teachers with opportunities to further develop their subject knowledge

- Provide opportunities for children to ask their own questions, experiment and plan their own investigations, giving them the support they need to be able to develop scientific skills

- Provide well maintained, organised and up to date resources, including IT, which will support learning

How We Teach Science

At our school, we use Snap! Science, a high-quality resource from Collins Hub, to help bring our science curriculum to life. Snap! is designed to match our school’s own curriculum aims and principles, giving every child a clear and exciting journey through science from year to year.

Step-by-step learning:
We’ve carefully broken down the National Curriculum’s science knowledge into small, manageable steps. Each lesson focuses on just one of these steps, so children can build strong understanding before moving on. This approach follows Ofsted’s guidance for effective curriculum design and helps pupils make clear progress in Biology, Chemistry and Physics as they move through the school. Some topics—such as light or classification—are carefully planned so that ideas link smoothly between Key Stages.

Developing scientific skills:
Alongside scientific facts and concepts, children also learn the skills scientists use when they work. These include things like using a thermometer correctly, setting up a fair test and controlling variables. We make sure these skills are taught and practised in meaningful contexts, so pupils become increasingly confident and independent scientists. Children also explore how real scientists investigate questions and collect evidence in different ways.

Looking at the bigger picture:
Our teachers use Snap!’s “Conceptual Knowledge” and “Working Scientifically” progression charts to see how ideas connect over time—what children have already learned and what comes next. This helps ensure that lessons build on previous knowledge and prepare pupils for future learning.

This clear, structured approach means your child is supported to grow their understanding of science year by year, developing both the knowledge and the practical skills to think and work like a scientist.