Science Curriculum at Hexham First School: Building Scientific Knowledge and Skills with a Careers Focus

At Hexham First School, we believe every pupil should have access to a knowledge-rich science curriculum that develops both substantive scientific knowledge and the disciplinary skills needed to work scientifically. Our curriculum ensures that pupils learn key scientific concepts such as habitats, forces, and materials progressively over time, while also developing the skills and confidence to think and work like scientists.

Partnership with Northumbria University and NUSTEM
Our six year partnership with Northumbria University, supported by NUSTEM, has enriched our science teaching by embedding a careers lens within our STEM curriculum. This connection introduces pupils to a diverse range of scientists, including historically significant figures, women in science, scientists from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and local professionals, helping to raise pupils’ Science Capital and inspire them to consider future careers in science.

Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum is designed to provide regular, weekly science lessons that build substantive knowledge and disciplinary skills in a logical sequence. We emphasise opportunities for both independent and collaborative learning, encouraging pupils to gather evidence, discuss ideas, and develop scientific reasoning. Science is taught as a relevant and engaging subject that connects to pupils’ lives and well-being, with lessons often taking place outdoors to make use of our school grounds.

We actively promote science beyond the classroom through British Science Week, visits to science-rich environments, and hosting visitors from institutions such as Newcastle University and The Royal Institution of Science. Our curriculum is further enriched by practical experiences such as farm visits and astronomy workshops.

Implementation
Our science curriculum follows the National Curriculum and is supplemented with additional resources to support meaningful discussion and enquiry. In the Foundation Stage, science is part of the “Understanding the World” area of learning, delivered through hands-on activities that embed scientific concepts in everyday contexts. Outdoor learning and Forest School lessons play a key role in reinforcing and introducing new scientific ideas.

Teachers receive ongoing support from the Science Lead, who provides access to engaging resources and professional development opportunities, including training in partnership with Hexham Middle School’s recognised Science Lead. Practical group activities ensure all pupils can participate fully, with appropriate equipment such as dataloggers used in Key Stage 2. Storytelling and vocabulary displays support engagement and understanding, especially in Key Stage 1.

Impact
Pupils enjoy science and can confidently discuss their learning and enquiries. Many express aspirations to become scientists, reflecting the impact of our careers-focused approach. Pupils acquire new substantive knowledge each year and are developing the disciplinary knowledge required to work scientifically. Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught and enthusiastically used.

Assessment is ongoing, with teachers assessing pupils’ prior knowledge at the start of each unit and monitoring progress throughout. Pupils’ work is recorded in varied, age-appropriate ways including writing, drawings, pictograms, bar charts, and labelled diagrams, ensuring a rich and comprehensive record of learning.