Science
Science sparks curiosity and helps children make sense of the world around them. At Bawnmore, we want every child to see themselves as a scientist—confident, inquisitive, and ready to explore. Through exciting investigations, outdoor learning, and enquiry-led activities, children develop key scientific knowledge and skills while building confidence in thinking, questioning, and problem-solving.
Curriculum
Our science curriculum is ambitious, inclusive, and carefully sequenced across Reception, Year 1, and Year 2. A golden thread runs through everything we do—strong relationships, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of belonging—because we know these are essential for fostering curiosity and resilience.
We aim for children to:
- Ask thoughtful questions about the world around them
- Develop a sense of awe and respect for nature
- Build secure knowledge of plants, animals (including humans), materials, and seasonal changes
- Work scientifically by observing, testing, classifying, and explaining findings
Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and is enriched by seasonal studies, purposeful learning hooks, and hands-on experiences.
Teaching
Teaching in science is active, engaging, and enquiry-led. Our approach includes:
- Outdoor learning to support observation, questioning, and care for the environment
- Explicit teaching of scientific vocabulary embedded through discussion and exploration
- Practical investigations that encourage children to predict, test, and record results
- Links to wider curriculum topics for meaningful, real-life contexts
- Opportunities for children to work collaboratively and share ideas
Children learn to think like scientists—observing, identifying, testing, and explaining their findings with confidence.
Achievement
By the end of Year 2, children:
- Ask thoughtful questions and show curiosity about the world
- Use scientific language to explain their thinking
- Work scientifically—investigating, predicting, and recording results
- Approach challenges with resilience and wonder
- Have a strong foundation in scientific skills and knowledge, ready for Key Stage 2
The golden thread is evident in the way children collaborate, show care for living things, and develop a deep sense of engagement and joy in learning.
SEND and Inclusion
Science is inclusive and accessible for all learners. Adaptations include:
- Hands-on experiences and scaffolded observations
- Visual aids and supported vocabulary
- Opportunities to explore and ask questions in ways that suit individual learning styles
Full details of our science curriculum can be found in our Science Curriculum Document.
