Science at Hartford 2026
OUR INTENT - What We Teach In Science
At Hartford Primary School, we aim to develop curious, confident and knowledgeable learners who have a strong scientific understanding of the world. We aim to ensure all pupils are equipped to build secure understanding of the essential scientific learning outlined in the national curriculum, alongside the ability to question, observe, predict, test and draw conclusions.
By the end of Year 6, we want pupils to be able to explain key scientific concepts, use precise scientific vocabulary and carry out investigations with increasing independence. Our curriculum is underpinned by the scientific enquiry types - observing over time, pattern seeking, identifying and classifying, comparative and fair testing, and researching using secondary sources - which act as golden threads running throughout our entire science curriculum, supporting pupils to work scientifically and apply their knowledge practically.
Science at Hartford Primary supports pupils in making sense of themselves and the wider world by developing their understanding of how science influences everyday life, the environment and future opportunities, enabling us to foster their curiosity, responsibility and respect for the natural world.
OUR IMPLEMENTATION - How We Teach Science
At Hartford Primary School, the science curriculum is carefully structured and sequenced from EYFS to Year 6 to ensure progression in both knowledge and disciplinary skills. In the Early Years, children begin by exploring the world and learning through child-led play and adult-guided experiences, developing early enquiry skills such as observing, noticing changes and asking questions. This foundation supports learning in Key Stage 1, where pupils begin to develop subject-specific knowledge alongside structured scientific enquiries. In Key Stage 2, pupils build on this further by deepening their understanding, applying knowledge across topics and carrying out increasingly independent investigations.
Science is taught through knowledge-rich lessons alongside purposeful practical enquiry, enabling pupils to apply and deepen their understanding. Teaching focuses on clearly explained concepts, regular retrieval of prior learning and opportunities to apply understanding through the five types of scientific enquiry: observing over time, pattern seeking, identifying and classifying, comparative and fair testing, and researching using secondary sources. Pupils are given opportunities to investigate, record results, discuss findings and draw conclusions, ensuring they develop both substantive and disciplinary knowledge.
All pupils are supported to access the curriculum through effective scaffolding, and adaptive, quality-first teaching. Oracy is prioritised within science, with regular opportunities for pupils to articulate their reasoning through structured talk and collaborative enquiry, using precise scientific vocabulary that is explicitly taught. Challenge is provided through questioning, open-ended enquiry and opportunities for deeper thinking, enabling all pupils to make progress from their starting points.
At Hartford Primary, we enhance science learning through immersive, memorable experiences that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding. Our whole-school Science Week provides enriching, whole-school opportunities to deepen engagement, raise aspirations and connect learning to real-world contexts, while regular Forest School sessions, led by a specialist teacher, enable pupils to explore scientific concepts first-hand through outdoor enquiry. These experiences are complemented by educational visits and visitors from science-related professions, further enhancing pupils’ understanding and enthusiasm for science.
OUR IMPACT - What Our Children Learn In Science
Our children at Hartford Primary develop secure and lasting scientific knowledge that they can recall and apply over time across a range of contexts. They demonstrate key skills of working scientifically with increasing independence. Children show their learning through high-quality work in books, practical outcomes and, crucially, through articulating their scientific understanding in discussion where they confidently use precise scientific vocabulary to explain their thinking.
As a result of our science curriculum, pupils develop positive attitudes such as curiosity, resilience and confidence in their ability to explore and understand the world and they are motivated to do so. They also develop a strong sense of responsibility towards the natural world, understanding the importance of sustainability and caring for their environment. Through this strong foundation of knowledge, skills and attitudes, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and are equipped to continue learning in science with confidence and enthusiasm.
The Curriculum Leads for Science are: Mrs Clinkard and Miss Shepherd