Science

How do we teach Science in the Bursledon Federation?

 At Bursledon Federation, our Science curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning, enabling children to explore and understand the world around them while developing the skills to think like scientists in an ever‑changing society. Through a hands‑on, inquiry‑based approach, pupils experience the excitement of investigation and develop their own lines of scientific enquiry, deepening their knowledge, vocabulary and conceptual understanding. Oracy  is woven throughout our Science teaching to strengthen children’s ability to articulate ideas, justify their thinking and engage in meaningful scientific dialogue; pupils take part in structured talk, debates, partner discussions and exploratory conversations that help them speak and reason like scientists while ensuring every child has a voice. Teachers cultivate a positive, high‑expectations culture where children are encouraged to ask questions, use scientific equipment confidently and draw conclusions based on real evidence. Working Scientifically skills  are embedded into lessons to ensure these skills are being developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching and knowledge organisers. By the end of Key Stage 2, our children leave Bursledon as confident, curious learners equipped with the scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills and communication abilities they need for future education and life beyond primary school, having thoroughly enjoyed Science and feeling inspired to continue exploring, discovering and embracing new challenges.

The impact of the Science curriculum at Bursledon will be equipping our children with critical thinking skills and knowledge to ensure that they are ready for further education and for life as an adult in the wider world. 

The Bursledon Science Curriculum 

National Curriculum link for Science Programme of study:  Click Here

EYFS curriculum link: Click Here

Infant School Overview:

At Bursledon Infant School, children develop their scientific understanding by exploring and asking questions about the world around them. Through hands-on investigations and observation, they learn to identify patterns, describe changes, and use simple scientific language to communicate what they see, hear, and feel. Our curriculum encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to carry out simple tests, helping children build foundational skills for scientific enquiry and a lifelong love of discovery. 

Junior School Overview

At Bursledon Junior School, our science curriculum nurtures curiosity and builds knowledge through progressive, hands-on learning. Starting with health, materials, and light in Year 3, pupils develop core scientific skills. Each year introduces more complex topics—from sound and electricity to forces and evolution—encouraging enquiry and critical thinking. Our approach ensures children understand how science connects to everyday life, preparing them to explore, question, and innovate as confident, informed learners. 

Science Medium Term Planning example: click here

Science Knowledge Organiser example: click here

What does a Bursledon Science expert look like?

A Bursledon Science Expert is a curious, confident and articulate learner who thinks, talks and investigates like a scientist. They use their knowledge, skills and voice to explore the world around them, ask meaningful questions, test ideas and draw evidence‑based conclusions, showing resilience, creativity and enthusiasm for discovery.

SEND Non-Negotiables

In the Bursledon Federation we believe all children should have access to our curriculum irrespective of need. Our teachers adapt provision to ensure all children can aim for appropriate objectives by removing certain barriers where needed, so everyone feels included and valued.

Science SEND Non-Negotiables: click here

 Work Examples