Science
Through an enquiry-based approach, teachers pose scientific questions for children to explore, investigate and reflect upon. Science is taught progressively, in line with the National Curriculum and end of year expectations. Across the year, children also take part in STEM week to further enhance their scientific knowledge and enquiry skills through working with outside educational agencies.
We are very proud to have gained the Silver Award Primary Science Quality Mark and are dedicated to maintaining an effective, confident science leadership for whole school impact on standards in the teaching and learning of Science.
Click here for our Science Long Term Plan (awaiting link)
Science in the EYFS
The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum supports children’s understanding of Science through the planning and teaching of ‘Understanding the World.’ Children find out about objects, materials and living things using all of their senses looking at similarities, differences, patterns and change.
Children learn by observing, asking questions, investigating materials, and noticing changes through activities such as exploring nature, experimenting with water and sand, caring for plants, and learning about their own bodies. Through talk, play and practical discovery, children begin to develop early scientific skills such as observing, predicting and problem-solving, building a strong foundation for future learning.
Science in KS1 & KS2
In Key Stages 1 and 2, science is taught through practical, engaging lessons that encourage curiosity, questioning and hands-on investigation. Pupils develop their knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics by exploring topics such as plants, animals, materials, forces and the natural world. They learn to work scientifically by observing closely, carrying out simple experiments, recording results and drawing conclusions.
As pupils progress into Key Stage 2, they build on these skills with more structured investigations, accurate use of scientific vocabulary and deeper thinking, helping them to develop confidence, resilience and a strong foundation for future scientific learning.
Our Progress Journey
Science
STEM Week
Each year in school, we take part in STEM week, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. During this week, children take part in a range of practical investigations and activities across often to explore answers to scientific enquiries whilst also learning about careers within these four areas.
We often have visitors in school to deliver workshops and work with the children and some of our older children in Year 5 and 6 set up and supervise small experiments with other children. We work closely with our feeder secondary school, North Durham Academy who loan us more complex scientific equipment and resources.
Year 6 investigated filtration and were very surprised by the results.
Science Gilt Quality Mark 2022- 2025
Beamish and Pelton Federation have been awarded Primary Science Quality Mark
Primary Science Quality Mark is a one-year school improvement programme for primary science, which provides professional development for new and experienced subject leaders each year. PSQM enables confident, knowledgeable, reflective leadership which results in an improvement in the way in which science is planned and taught across the whole school.
The Primary Science Quality Mark is led by the University of Hertfordshire in collaboration with the Primary Science Teaching Trust.