Intent
At Gainsborough Primary School, we aim to inspire curious, confident and enthusiastic scientists by stimulating awe and wonder about the world around them. Our science curriculum encourages pupils to ask questions, explore ideas and develop a lifelong interest in science.
We prioritise practical, hands-on learning, with regular opportunities to investigate, experiment and observe, including learning outdoors where possible. Pupils develop a wide range of scientific skills, such as observing, questioning, predicting, investigating, measuring, recording and drawing conclusions, while using accurate scientific vocabulary to explain their thinking.
Alongside enquiry, pupils build secure and progressive scientific knowledge, revisiting key concepts to develop deep understanding. Science learning is meaningful and relevant, helping pupils understand its impact on everyday life and the wider world, and preparing them to become thoughtful, informed young scientists.
Implementation
KS1 and KS2
Science at Gainsborough Primary School is taught in line with the National Curriculum, ensuring clear progression in knowledge and skills across KS1 and KS2. White Rose Science supports high-quality, consistent planning through a structured and research-informed approach.
The curriculum is organised into carefully sequenced medium-term plans that build on prior learning. Key concepts and enquiry skills are revisited to deepen understanding, with prior knowledge identified and misconceptions addressed.
Lessons follow a consistent structure, beginning with an exploration task to assess prior learning and stimulate curiosity, followed by explicit teaching, guided practice, and independent or group application. All units include regular practical enquiries, allowing pupils to investigate, observe, measure, record and analyse results in meaningful contexts.
Scientific vocabulary is taught explicitly and progressively. Through this structured, enquiry-based approach, pupils develop secure scientific knowledge, strong enquiry skills and confidence in working scientifically.
Impact
As a result of our science curriculum, pupils develop secure scientific knowledge and a strong range of enquiry skills. They confidently plan and carry out investigations, use accurate scientific vocabulary, and apply their understanding to explain the world around them.
Regular practical and outdoor learning, supported by carefully sequenced lessons, ensures pupils build on prior learning and retain key concepts. Misconceptions are identified and addressed, enabling pupils to make strong progress from their starting points. Pupils are able to present their findings and understanding in a range of ways.
By the end of primary school, pupils are curious, reflective scientists who show awe and wonder, think critically and are well prepared for the next stage of their scientific learning.
Trips and Visits
A range of educational visits are planned throughout the year to enhance science learning and provide meaningful real-world experiences. In addition, science workshops are delivered in school to further stimulate curiosity and deepen pupils’ understanding of scientific concepts.
Each year, the school actively participates in British Science Week, during which pupils engage in a variety of hands-on investigations and practical activities and showcase their science learning.
Latest Science posts from Instagram
Year 1 visited @zsllondonzoo today! They looked at different mammals, insects and birds, their features and habitats and even what they eat 🦁 🥩 🍃 as part of their science learning. #keepconnected
Apr 24
Year 3 visited @soanescentresle to learn about how wild flowers grow and bring their science learning to life! #keepgreen #keepconnected
Apr 24
Families of children in Years 1-6 are invited to come into class and learn about our most recent DT unit- mechanisms. We have used our learning to make pop up books based on our recent history, geography or science learning. Come and read them with us! We are asking families to come at an earlier time of 1.30-2pm as it is the last day of term. #keepconnected
Mar 22
For science week this week we are celebrating incredible female scientists in Years 1-6. These scientists link to the children’s current science topics and focus by focussing on their achievements this week we hope to highlight the important, and often unsung, part they have played in their field. The children will write songs about these scientists, and their achievements, as part of science week! Watch this space…
Mar 8
Year 2 spent a day at the zoo! Year 2 looked at the animals’ habitats, features and thought about what food the different animals might eat as part of their science learning. Well done Year 2!
Sep 14
Year 5 blasted us off into space this afternoon. They led us through their science learning about life in space and taught what training was needed to become an astronaut. They wrote and performed a song to help us remember what life onboard a space station is really like. Well done year 5. 🚀
May 2
Year 2 visited Woodberry Wetlands to explore wetland life and what inhabits it, linking to the science learning they done this term on habitats. Thank you @woodberry_wetlands Another fantastic exploration of pond life and plant life, and great to be outside in the sun. ☀️
Apr 5
Year 1 visited #sealifecentrelondon to explore under the sea, linking to their science and geography learning. Well done Year 1 you were fish-tastic!
Apr 1
Year 5 visited the Science museum this week to journey into space. Their experience was out of this world…
Mar 29
Year 1 science. Year 1 have been learning about the different features of mammals, fish and birds. They borrowed Year 3’s pet fish to do some observational drawings. 🐟
Feb 19
Year 2 went to London Zoo! This trip supports their science learning ‘Humans and other Animals.’ The children loved seeing a range of different animals and will now get to work classifying them, learning about their similarities and differences. #science #keepconnected
Oct 5
Thank you to all of our lovely families who came to support our families in class science session. #keepconnected
Jul 13