Science
At Beaconside Primary and Nursery School, the science curriculum is designed using the Chris Quigley Essentials Curriculum framework, which strategically revisits key scientific concepts and knowledge annually. This approach ensures that pupils encounter science topics repeatedly over their primary years, enabling them to consolidate and deepen their understanding progressively. Unlike curricula that introduce topics once and move on, this spiral model reinforces learning by building on prior knowledge, which is essential for long-term retention and mastery.
Our curriculum fully aligns with the National Curriculum requirements by covering all statutory science domains—biology, chemistry, and physics—with clear progression in scientific knowledge, vocabulary, and enquiry skills. The Chris Quigley framework provides detailed milestones that map out age-appropriate knowledge and skills, ensuring that pupils acquire a solid foundation in scientific concepts and methods by the end of Key Stage 2.
This approach is particularly appropriate for our pupils as it supports learners who benefit from repetition and structured reinforcement. The curriculum’s careful sequencing and revisiting of concepts help reduce cognitive overload and anxiety often associated with new and complex learning.
The curriculum is aspirational in that it aims to develop scientifically literate pupils who are curious, confident in using scientific vocabulary, and equipped with enquiry skills to explore and understand the world around them. It prepares pupils not only to meet the challenges of the National Curriculum but also to thrive in a rapidly changing world, reflecting our vision to equip children with knowledge and skills beyond the classroom.
Incorporating the school’s context and vision, the science curriculum fosters an inclusive and stimulating environment where all pupils, including those with SEND, receive tailored support to access high-quality science education. It also nurtures pupils’ understanding of their responsibilities within the natural world, promoting environmental awareness and respect for diversity consistent with our values.
Whole School Aims
The science curriculum is a direct reflection of Beaconside Primary and Nursery School’s vision and values. It supports our commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment where respect and tolerance are paramount. By emphasising scientific enquiry and knowledge acquisition, the curriculum helps pupils develop the personal qualities of reflection, ambition, communication, responsibility, and independence—core learning values identified by the school.
Our curriculum encourages pupils to become self-motivated and self-critical learners, fostering resilience and confidence in their abilities. The curriculum also promotes pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development by encouraging curiosity about the natural world and ethical considerations related to science and the environment.
Subject Vision
We teach science at Beaconside because it is fundamental to understanding the world and developing critical thinking skills that empower pupils to question, investigate, and solve problems. Our intent is for every pupil to develop a secure and progressively deepening knowledge of scientific concepts, alongside the skills to apply this knowledge practically and thoughtfully.
Our science curriculum aims to:
- Build a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and vocabulary through systematic revisiting and reinforcement.
- Develop enquiry skills that encourage curiosity, observation, and experimentation.
- Support all pupils, including those with SEND, to access and engage with science meaningfully.
- Prepare pupils for future academic success and lifelong learning in science and related disciplines.
Further information can be found in the 'Science Curriculum Statement.
