Science

Dene House Primary School’s Science Curriculum Overview Our science curriculum engages Rececption–KS2 learners through structured topics that build knowledge, inquiry skills, and a love of exploring the natural world. Across Year A and Year B cycles, pupils in Y1-Y6 investigate everyday materials, plants, seasonal changes, animals, habitats, and the physics of sound and light.

Key strands include:

Core content:

• Everyday Materials: properties, uses, and classification; exploring how materials can be changed.

• Plants: plant parts, growth, what plants need to grow, and habitats.

• Seasonal Changes: observing and describing weather and seasonal patterns.

• Animals including Humans: body parts, senses, nutrition, growth, and human biology; living things and their habitats; classification and food chains.

• Living Things and Their Habitats: identifying living things, habitat needs, and simple food chains.

• Sound and Light (KS2): how sounds are made and travel; shadows, reflection, and safety in the sun.

Working Scientifically

• Skills: observing closely, performing tests, identifying and classifying, recording findings, and presenting evidence.

• Methods: planning fair tests, comparing variables, using simple equipment, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

• Recording: using charts, tables, pictograms, Venn and Carroll diagrams, and standard units.

Progression and link to inquiry

• Revisit, Research and Investigate blocks provide opportunities to consolidate skills and connect science questions to P4C discussions.

• Learning is supported by practical investigations, clear vocabulary, and opportunities to explain thinking using drawings, labels, and simple written or pictorial explanations.