Science
Science at Ickworth Park Primary School
At Ickworth Park Primary School, our science curriculum is designed to be ambitious, engaging and accessible to all pupils, building progressively on knowledge and skills from the Early Years through to Year 6.
Our Intent
At Ickworth Park Primary School, our science curriculum is designed to:
- Develop pupils’ ability to work scientifically and provide a foundation for understanding the world through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
- Foster a love of science that challenges and inspires children, equipping them with the scientific knowledge needed to understand the uses and implications of science today and in the future.
We aim for all pupils to:
- Build secure knowledge of scientific concepts, processes and methods.
- Develop fluency in working scientifically.
- Apply their scientific knowledge and skills to explain their findings and justify their reasoning.
Our Approach
We use Snap Science as a foundation for our science curriculum, ensuring clear progression across all year groups in line with the National Curriculum.
Teachers adapt this to reflect the needs, interests and context of our pupils at Ickworth Park. Each lesson is centred around a meaningful question which encourages pupils to think critically and work scientifically.
Pupils build secure scientific knowledge over time and are able to explain their understanding through written, mathematical and verbal communication.
Learning focuses on:
- Developing scientific vocabulary and using it accurately
- Embedding working scientifically skills through enquiry and investigation
- Building knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics
- Making links within science and across the wider curriculum
Assessment is ongoing through teacher judgement, supported by end-of-unit quizzes and Snap Science assessments.
Progression
Learning in science begins in the Early Years through the area of Understanding the World, where children explore their environment through hands-on experiences.
In EYFS, children take part in activities such as pond dipping, planting bulbs and observing seasonal changes in the local environment. These experiences support early questioning, exploration and the development of scientific language.
As pupils move through the school, this understanding develops further:
- In Key Stage 1, pupils ask simple scientific questions, make observations using basic equipment and carry out simple tests. They learn about plants, animals, materials and seasonal change.
- In Key Stage 2, pupils build on these skills by planning and carrying out enquiries, recording and analysing data, and drawing conclusions using scientific vocabulary.
- By Year 6, pupils confidently plan investigations, take accurate measurements, make predictions based on prior knowledge, and evaluate evidence to support or challenge scientific ideas.
Working scientifically skills are embedded throughout, enabling pupils to build on prior knowledge and become increasingly independent learners.
Inclusion
All pupils are supported to access the science curriculum.
- Learning is adapted through scaffolding, practical experiences and targeted support
- Key vocabulary is explicitly taught and displayed to support understanding and retention
- A range of resources are used to support access to the curriculum
- Teaching ensures that pupils with SEND can engage fully alongside their peers
What Makes Science Special at Ickworth Park
Our location and links with Ickworth Estate provide valuable opportunities for pupils to apply their scientific knowledge in meaningful contexts.
Pupils use the local environment to:
- Observe seasonal change
- Explore living things and their habitats
- Investigate materials and their properties in real-world settings
We also promote the profile of science through enrichment opportunities:
- Pupils take part in an annual STEM Week linked to British Science Week
- Visitors from STEM-related fields, including paramedics and scientists, work with pupils to share real-life applications of science
- Pupils engage in practical investigations such as dissecting hearts, making ice cream using dry ice and exploring scientific concepts through hands-on experiences
These opportunities encourage curiosity, problem-solving and independent enquiry.
Impact
Pupils are able to apply their knowledge to real-world situations and explain their understanding using scientific vocabulary.
Pupils develop:
- Secure scientific knowledge that they can retain and apply
- Confidence in using scientific vocabulary and explaining their reasoning
- Strong enquiry and investigation skills
- Curiosity about the world and how it works
They leave Ickworth Park as confident, inquisitive and knowledgeable learners, with a strong foundation in science and an understanding of its importance in everyday life.