Science

Subject Leader: Dan Bees

Our Vision

At Hartwell, we believe Science should nurture curiosity, inspire wonder, and empower children to make sense of the world around them. Our Science curriculum encourages pupils to question, explore, and develop a deep interest in how and why things work. Through rich, hands-on learning experiences, children learn not only to seek answers but also to ask thoughtful questions that deepen their understanding of the world they live in.

We aim to develop confident, motivated young scientists who take ownership of their learning and approach enquiries with enthusiasm and resilience. Our curriculum supports pupils in becoming skilled investigators who work collaboratively, think critically, and engage in robust Scientific enquiry. By building essential teamwork and analytical skills, we enable all children to evaluate evidence, consider reliability, and draw meaningful conclusions—preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing, scientific world.

The Subject Leader

As science subject leader, my role is to monitor the delivery of an engaging science curriculum across the school. I monitor teaching and learning through learning walks, book scrutinies and pupil voice. This enables me to have a comprehensive knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of our science teaching and, where necessary, take action. I look to support the team at Hartwell by investing in opportunities to make science as engaging and exciting as possible, through high-quality resources or wider projects that our school community can participate in.

Pleasure click here to see our School Development Plan SDP

Intent, implementation and impact

Intent

At Hartwell Primary School, pupils are given appropriate learning opportunities so that they develop the skills needed to be active citizens within this increasingly scientific world. Science is a powerful and useful tool through which children’s understanding of the world around them is carefully developed. It is our aim to create a challenging environment that raises standards of achievement in Science through high quality teaching and learning. Pupils build up their scientific skills and knowledge, developing the necessary ability to investigate, question and understand scientific concepts. Science at Hartwell Primary School should promote curiosity around the subject, with children wanting to have an inquisitive attitude towards the subject. Science should help children to understand and apply scientific knowledge and skills to build their wider understanding of the wider world, in addition to understanding how science contributes to their daily lives – it is not a subject that involves just doing experiments to help learn about what is being studied at school.

Implementation

At Hartwell Primary School, science is implemented through a carefully sequenced curriculum that enables pupils to build knowledge progressively and securely over time. Strong, expert teaching ensures that children develop a deep understanding of key scientific concepts before applying them in practical contexts. High-quality lessons combine clear explanation, modelling and guided practice, giving pupils the knowledge and confidence they need to think scientifically. Practical investigations are used purposefully, allowing children to apply what they have learned to answer meaningful enquiry questions. Throughout these activities, pupils use and develop their oracy skills—discussing ideas, explaining their reasoning and evaluating outcomes—so they can articulate their scientific understanding with clarity and confidence.

Impact

As a result of Hartwell Primary School’s approach to science, pupils develop strong and secure scientific knowledge that they can confidently apply in a range of contexts. They become self-assured, curious scientists who ask meaningful questions, make predictions, and draw thoughtful conclusions. Through regular opportunities for exploration and discussion, pupils grow into independent enquirers who can plan and set up investigations, observe and measure, record data, interpret and communicate results, and evaluate their findings with increasing autonomy. Science is an engaging and motivating subject, fostering enthusiasm and a genuine love of learning across the school. Importantly, the curriculum is inclusive and accessible to all learners, ensuring every child—regardless of background or need—can experience success, feel valued, and see themselves as capable, confident scientists.

Pupil Voice

At Hartwell, we believe it is vital to gather the children’s views about Science, which can guide our provision.

Please click here to see our Pupil Voice.

Please click here to see our SMSC in Science.

The Science Curriculum at Hartwell

At Hartwell, our science curriculum is centred on the Working Scientifically skills: asking questions, making predictions, setting up tests, observing and measuring, recording data, interpreting and communicating results, and evaluating. These skills are integrated into a breadth of topics across the school that build upon the prior year’s understanding. Many topics also have cross-curricular links, allowing our pupils to embed their scientific understanding further.

Click here to see the National Curriculum for Science

Science in the EYFS

Science is taught in reception as an integral part of their topic work. Science in the EYFS curriculum is set out within the Early Learning Goals (ELGs) which underpin the curriculum. Science makes a significant contribution to a child developing their understanding of the world; this can be done through exploring the natural world, making observations of animals and plants and drawing upon what has been read in class.

Science in the EYFS