The SCIENCE CURRICULUM at Cotmanhay Infant and Nursery School

🧍‍♀️ SCIENCE LEAD = Mrs Holmes

At Cotmanhay Infant and Nursery School, we believe science is a crucial subject that sparks children’s natural curiosity and empowers them to explore the world with confidence and imagination. Through high-quality and engaging teaching, we inspire our children to ask bold questions, make thoughtful predictions and uncover the ways science shapes their everyday lives. By nurturing these skills, we aim to instil a lifelong love of learning, equipping our children to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing world.  We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all; therefore, our science curriculum is designed to enrich children’s cultural and intellectual capital. By providing meaningful experiences, we enable children to explore and understand the world around them while developing the knowledge and skills needed to think scientifically.

Intent:

We aim to:

• Foster a lifelong curiosity and enthusiasm for science in all pupils.
• Develop children’s understanding of the world around them through exploration and enquiry.
• Build secure foundations in scientific knowledge and vocabulary.
• Encourage pupils to ask questions, make predictions, and think critically.
• Ensure progression from Early Years to KS1, preparing pupils for the demands of KS2 science.

We want every child to leave KS1 with:

• A positive attitude towards science.
• The ability to work scientifically through observation, investigation, and reasoning.
• An understanding of how science relates to everyday life.

Implementation:

Early Years Nursery Approach:

In our Cubs nursery (ages 2–3 years) and Bears nursery (ages 3–4 years), science is embedded within The Natural World aspect of Understanding the World Area of the EYFS statutory framework. Children learn through play, hands-on experiences, and outdoor exploration. Teachers use questioning and discussion to develop curiosity and introduce scientific vocabulary in context.

Reception to Year 2 Approach:

In Reception and Key Stage 1, science follows the White Rose Science scheme which provides a structured, progressive approach to teaching science which ensures:

• Using small steps to secure understanding, allowing pupils to build confidence and mastery before moving on.
• Providing a coherent and progressive curriculum that ensures continuity from EY through KS1.
• Clear knowledge building and vocabulary development enabling pupils to articulate their understanding effectively.
• Embedding scientific enquiry across all units in Key Stage 1, giving pupils regular opportunities to observe, question, predict, and investigate.

Impact:

Pupil Outcomes:

• Pupils display curiosity, enjoyment, and enthusiasm for science.
• Pupils demonstrate secure knowledge and understanding of EYFS/KS1 scientific content and use accurate vocabulary.
• Assessment data indicates that the majority meet or exceed age-related expectations; identified gaps are closed through timely intervention.
• SEND and disadvantaged pupils achieve well from their starting points, evidenced through work samples, formative assessments, and summative data.
• They make meaningful connections between science and everyday life, the local environment, and personal health/safety.
• Children have a positive attitude towards science and the skills to continue exploring and questioning the world.
• Children develop resilience, confidence, and positive attitudes through practical science activities, building secure foundations that prepare them effectively for Key Stage 2.