At Freshford Church School, we believe science should inspire curiosity, ignite questions and help children make sense of the world around them. Our aim is to build every child’s scientific knowledge by encouraging them to explore, ask questions and think critically. We want children to recognise that science is not fixed, but an ever‑evolving body of knowledge built through enquiry and discovery.
Our approach to science is rooted in our school values: Care, Believe You Can, and Cheer Each Other On. We want children to care deeply about what they are learning, so knowledge is grounded in contexts that make sense to them and is designed to be memorable, engaging and challenging, always grounded in contexts that make sense: we want children to care about what they learn. Through our ‘Big Questions’ and practical investigations, pupils develop an understanding of how science works and why it matters in the wider world and so know that they have agency.
We nurture a strong belief in every child that they can succeed in science. Through carefully planned lessons and supportive teaching, children build secure understanding of key concepts and develop the skills needed to become confident, enquiry‑driven learners. Challenge is embraced, mistakes are valued, and resilience is built. At the heart of our science teaching is a classroom culture where questions are valued as much as answers. Teachers model curiosity, show how to find things out, and create a safe space where children can take risks, explore ideas and learn from mistakes.
Collaboration is at the heart of our science learning. Children are encouraged to share ideas, listen to one another and celebrate each other’s discoveries – truly cheering each other on. This creates a positive and inclusive environment where all pupils feel able to contribute and grow.
Children ‘re-present’ their understanding in a variety of ways: through discussion, diagrams, writing, creative outcomes and investigation results. Using approaches such as Bloom’s Taxonomy, we support pupils in deepening their thinking and applying their knowledge across the curriculum.
We believe curiosity is contagious: through science, we nurture not only a love of learning, but a belief that every child can have agency in their world.
Please click below to see our Science Curriculum overview summary: