Why do we teach science?
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” - Carl Sagan
At Westcliff, we want to foster our children’s natural curiosity about the world around us and how it works. Primary science develops pupils’ understanding of the world, nurture their curiosity and teach essential skills, including enquiry, observation, prediction, analysis, reasoning and explanation. In a world increasingly shaped by science, we want to foster a love for learning, inspiring the next generation of innovators or scientists, equipping young learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to tackle new challenges.
How do we teach science at Westcliff?
Science at Westcliff is centred round the children learning the essential aspects of the knowledge, processes and uses of science. Our children are encouraged to develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They seek to problem solve, create and are always keen to explain their thinking using subject specific vocabulary as we aim to develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
We nurture a child’s natural curiosity from the moment they join us in Nursery and Reception, where ‘understanding the world’ begins with hands-on sensory play such as observing how ice melts or watching a seed sprout into a sunflower. As students move into Key stage 1, the focus shifts to working scientifically, where they begin to ask their own questions and perform simple tests on materials and living things.
By the time the children reach Key stage 2, their investigations become
more sophisticated and rigorous. They move from simple observations to
fair testing, data collection and evidence-based reasoning. Whether they
are exploring the mechanics of simple circuits, the complexity of the human circulatory system, or the chemical reactions between common substances, our goal is to build scientific literacy. We don’t just teach children what we know; we teach them how we know it, ensuring they leave Year 6 as critical thinkers for the challenges of secondary school.
We believe that if children can see it, they can be it. To bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, we actively showcase the vast diversity of careers within the STEM sector. Throughout our curriculum, pupils don't just learn theories; they learn about the people behind them - from marine biologists and aerospace engineers to forensic scientists and environmental conservationists. By introducing our pupils to a diverse range of role models across different genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds, we dismantle stereotypes and prove that science is for everyone.
We believe that the most profound learning when children have the opportunity to take a deep dive into science. Our vibrant Science Week is the crown jewel of our scientific calendar, featuring a Science Fayre, where pupils take centre stage to present their own independent inquiries to parents and peers. These events are bolstered by our strong partnership with the local high school, allowing our older pupils to access specialised laboratories and benefit from the expertise of secondary subject specialists.
Science Curriculum