Science

At Keelham Primary, we follow Kapow Primary’s Science scheme, which is designed to spark curiosity and excitement about the natural world while developing pupils’ understanding of how science shapes our past, present and future. Our aim is for children to gain a secure knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics, alongside a broad range of skills in working scientifically.

Science at Keelham is inclusive and meaningful, enabling all pupils to experience the joy of discovery and make connections between their learning and everyday life. Through engaging lessons, pupils learn to question, investigate and think critically about the world around them, appreciating the role science plays in solving global challenges.

The scheme focuses on:

• Building knowledge alongside scientific skills across biology, chemistry and physics.
• Encouraging curiosity and challenging misconceptions.
• Developing scientific literacy through specialist vocabulary.
• Promoting progression by revisiting and deepening skills year on year.

Implementation

Our science curriculum is structured around three key strands:

• Scientific knowledge and understanding (biology, chemistry, physics)
• Working scientifically (methods and processes to answer questions)
• Science in action (real-world uses and implications of science)

The Kapow scheme follows a spiral curriculum, revisiting essential knowledge and skills with increasing complexity. Lessons include practical activities, investigations and opportunities for pupils to apply their learning in meaningful contexts. Cross-curricular links are embedded throughout, and each unit is based on one of the main science disciplines.

The National Curriculum content is organised into six key areas to ensure clear progression:

• Plants
• Animals, including humans
• Living things and habitats
• Materials
• Energy
• Forces, Earth and space

In EYFS, pupils begin with hands-on exploration and observation, building a strong foundation for future learning. Each year group also has an optional ‘Making Connections’ unit to consolidate prior knowledge and assess understanding in a creative way.

Teachers are supported with knowledge organisers, CPD videos and troubleshooting guides to ensure lessons are delivered confidently and misconceptions are addressed effectively.

Impact

We monitor the impact of our science curriculum through formative and summative assessment. Each lesson includes guidance for assessing pupils against learning objectives and scientific enquiry skills. Every unit features a quiz and knowledge catcher to track progress, and pupils are encouraged to use scientific vocabulary as part of the assessment process.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will:

• Develop early scientific thinking through hands-on exploration in EYFS.
• Build strong foundations in biology, chemistry and physics.
• Understand and apply methods used by real-world scientists.
• Use equipment accurately to gather and record data.
• Present data in various formats, including graphs.
• Analyse data to identify patterns and draw conclusions.
• Communicate ideas clearly using scientific vocabulary.
• Demonstrate resilience and a growth mindset in scientific enquiry.
• Meet the National Curriculum expectations for science.

• Progression of Knowledge and Skills
• Long Term Plan - Mixed Aged Planning
• Parent Guide - Cycle A Planning
• Parent Guide - Cycle B Planning
• National Curriculum Coverage