Intent – The way we have planned the curriculum:

At the West Dartmoor Federation, our science curriculum is designed with the intent that our children will develop an in-depth understanding of the world around them. Science plays a vital role within our school community, with many parents and carers working in science-based roles and in the medical field. We embrace their expertise and recognise the valuable contributions that these parents can make to the delivery of our science curriculum. We aim to build science capital for all children, regardless of their background and starting point. We aim to inspire children, so they continue to use science in their everyday life, future education and careers.

Our science curriculum:

• Builds upon prior knowledge and a progression of skills to ensure that all children have a secure understanding and knowledge of key concepts.

• Develops creativity and challenges all children.

• Inspires and excites children through engaging practical sessions.

• Develops aspirational leaders with an awareness of the opportunities of the community.

Implementation – How we will teach the curriculum:

Our curriculum is led and overseen by the Science Leader, who will regularly monitor, evaluate and review science teaching and learning. Formative assessment will be integrated into everyday science teaching to ensure teachers have an in-depth knowledge of the children’s learning and inform their next steps.

Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and is further tailored to meet the learning and developmental needs of the children in our school. We follow a two-year rolling programme to ensure full coverage of the curriculum.

Teachers plan science using the progression of skills and progression of vocabulary documents that allow children to build upon their prior knowledge and understanding. Teachers will plan enquiry-based lessons which will support children’s journeys to become independent and resilient learners.

Impact – How we will know what the pupils have learned:

• Children will become resilient, independent and curious scientists who ask questions which are increasingly based on scientific understandings and find things out for themselves. 

• Science will be a high-profile subject throughout the school.  

• Children will be enthusiastic and motivated scientific learners  

• Parents and the wider community will support science learning through trips and visits on regular basis where appropriate.  

• Children will have an awareness of the full range of scientific careers and pathways available to them and will be keen to pursue STEM subjects at secondary school.  

• Children will leave for secondary school equipped with the science knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their further education.  

Science in EYFS

At Meavy, we believe that the early years are a crucial time for nurturing children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. In Acorn Class science is taught through exploration, play, and hands-on experiences, helping children develop essential skills such as observing, predicting, experimenting, and problem-solving.

Our approach is designed to make science fun, engaging and accessible for all children:

Continuous Provision
Science is woven into our continuous provision, meaning that children have daily opportunities to explore and investigate at their own pace. Our classrooms and outdoor areas are filled with carefully selected resources that encourage scientific thinking—such as sand and water trays, plants, natural materials, magnifying glasses, and simple tools. Children can explore independently or in small groups, making discoveries and asking questions naturally as part of their play.

Rainbow Challenges
To extend learning and celebrate achievements, we offer Rainbow Challenges. These are themed, hands-on tasks designed to inspire curiosity and encourage children to investigate, experiment, and problem-solve. Challenges might include:

• Growing seeds and observing how they change over time

• Exploring floating and sinking objects in water

• Sorting and classifying leaves, rocks, or natural materials

• Investigating seasonal changes outdoors

Children complete these challenges at their own level, earning rewards as they explore, predict, and discover. Rainbow Challenges help children develop confidence in their scientific thinking while having fun.

Learning Outcomes
By engaging in science activities through play, children develop:

• Curiosity and excitement about the natural world

• Observation and investigation skills

• Understanding of simple scientific concepts, such as growth, change, and properties of materials

• Confidence in asking questions and solving problems

Through continuous provision and Rainbow Challenges, our EYFS children become confident, curious learners, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of science.