Science
At St Thomas Primary, we want every child to develop a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around them. Our Science curriculum, taught through the Developing Experts scheme, is designed to inspire children to ask questions, explore ideas, and understand how science helps us make sense of our everyday lives.
We believe that science should be exciting, hands-on and meaningful. Through a mix of practical investigations, outdoor learning, and engaging real-world examples, children develop key scientific knowledge and skills that build year on year.
Our approach supports children in becoming confident scientists who can think critically, make careful observations, test their ideas, and explain their findings clearly. We also aim to build science capital for all — helping every child see that science is for them and connects to their future in meaningful ways.
Curriculum Aims
Our Science curriculum follows the National Curriculum for Science (2014) and the EYFS Statutory Framework, ensuring that children gain a broad and balanced understanding of the key areas of biology, chemistry and physics.
Through our teaching, we aim to help all pupils:
- Develop a love of science and an appreciation of its role in everyday life.
- Build on their curiosity and sense of wonder about the natural world.
- Use practical investigations and real-life experiences to deepen their scientific understanding.
- Learn and use the language and vocabulary of science confidently.
- Develop key enquiry skills, including observing, classifying, predicting, experimenting, measuring and recording results accurately.
- Use ICT and digital tools to support scientific learning and presentation.
- Explore science in the wider world through outdoor learning, environmental study areas, and local community links.
- Understand how science contributes to a healthy lifestyle and sustainable future.
Scientific Enquiry
Children at St Thomas learn to work scientifically — asking questions, planning fair tests, gathering evidence, and explaining what they find out. Each lesson in the Developing Experts scheme includes opportunities to revisit prior learning, build new knowledge, and apply understanding through engaging experiments and discussions.
They learn that science isn’t just about facts, but about investigation, discovery and creativity — helping them see themselves as scientists who can explore, question and innovate.
REACH and Learning for Life
Our REACH values — Respect, Equality, Aspiration, Community and Harmony — run through all our science teaching. We encourage children to respect the environment, work collaboratively, and aspire to make positive contributions to the world through science.
Our Learning for Life skills — Noticing, Thinking, Speaking and Listening, Teamwork and Perseverance — are embedded in every science lesson. Pupils learn to notice patterns, think critically, communicate their ideas, collaborate with others, and persevere when investigations don’t go as planned.
Through the Developing Experts curriculum, our pupils grow into curious, confident learners who understand how science shapes our lives — and how they, too, can shape the future.
For more information, please visit the Developing Experts website.
