Curriculum Overview: Science
Our Approach
At Sherborne Primary School, we deliver an engaging and ambitious science curriculum
using Cornerstones Education’s scheme, aligned with the National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2. Our science curriculum follows a two-year rolling programme, with topics taught in termly or half-termly blocks.
In EYFS, children explore the world through hands-on activities, observing natural
phenomena such as shadows, gravity, and seasonal changes. They develop early scientific
skills and vocabulary by investigating light, magnets, and friction, providing a strong
foundation for KS1 science and KS2 physics projects.
Curriculum Structure
Our science projects develop both:
● Substantive knowledge – Established scientific facts.
● Disciplinary knowledge – The methods scientists use to establish facts.
Topics are carefully sequenced to build knowledge progressively. Meaningful links with other subjects help children apply their learning in real-world contexts. For links between our projects see the following examples:
● KS1: The Seasonal Changes project links with Chop, Slice and Mash (Design
Technology).
● Lower KS2: Plant Nutrition and Reproduction complements Greenhouse (Design
Technology).
● Upper KS2: Rocks and Soils are covered in Rocks, Relics and Rumbles (Geography).
Science lessons incorporate enquiry-based learning, covering key scientific methods multiple times each year, such as:
● Observation over time
● Pattern seeking
● Comparative and fair testing
● Classification and research
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)
KS1 science encourages curiosity and hands-on exploration. Projects are carefully sequenced with the seasons in mind to allow first-hand observations.
● Cycle A: Focuses on weather, seasonal change, animal and human parts, growth,
senses and survival.
● Cycle B: Introduces materials, their uses, plant functions, and living things’ habitats.
Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4)
LKS2 builds on KS1 knowledge, introducing systems, forces, light, and sound.
● Cycle A: Covers nutrition, skeletons, forces, magnetism, rocks, light, and plant
reproduction.
● Cycle B: Explores sound, digestion, states of matter, classification and electricity.
Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 & 6)
UKS2 deepens scientific understanding, linking previous knowledge to forces, evolution, and the circulatory system.
● Cycle A: Focuses on gravity, Earth and space, human reproduction, light theory, and evolution.
● Cycle B: Covers the circulatory system, classification, habitats, advanced electrical circuits, and chemical reactions.
Beyond the Classroom
To enhance learning, we offer:
● Science days and workshops
● Visits from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) professionals
● Parent speakers who use science in their job
● Field trips and secondary school partnerships
By the end of Year 6, our pupils will have a strong scientific foundation, ready to confidently question, explore, and understand the world around them.
For more details, please contact the school office or your child’s teacher.
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