Science
At Woodloes Primary School, science is delivered through the Cornerstones Curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced programme ensuring pupils progressively build secure scientific knowledge, vocabulary and enquiry skills from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 2. While science content is mapped to National Curriculum programmes of study, projects are organised flexibly within phases to best support understanding and progression.
In Key Stage 1, pupils develop foundational knowledge through exploration of everyday materials, plants, animals and humans, and seasonal change. Learning is structured to begin with familiar contexts, such as the human body and basic survival needs, before extending to animals, habitats and plant growth. Opportunities for first-hand observation and simple investigation are embedded throughout.
In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding by studying specific body systems, forces, materials, light, sound, electricity, Earth and space, and evolution. Knowledge is revisited and built upon systematically, enabling pupils to make connections between concepts and apply prior learning with increasing confidence. Scientific vocabulary is introduced and reinforced deliberately to support precision and explanation.
Across the school, science learning is meaningfully linked with other curriculum areas, including geography, design and technology and art, allowing pupils to apply their knowledge in real-life and purposeful contexts. Projects are carefully timed across the year to maximise experiential learning, such as growing plants or observing changes over time. Disciplinary knowledge, including working scientifically, is embedded within each project, ensuring pupils develop both scientific understanding and enquiry skills. This approach ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum while supporting engaging, coherent and high-quality science education at Woodloes Primary School