Science
Science
Intent
At Northgate, we aim for every child to experience an engaging and challenging science curriculum that nurtures curiosity, inspires questioning, and develops investigative skills. Through exploration and enquiry, our children deepen their understanding of the world around them.
We deliver the National Curriculum using the Plymouth Science Scheme to ensure that children acquire the scientific knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to succeed in their future learning and to contribute meaningfully to society.
We foster enthusiasm for science by providing first-hand experiences and opportunities for investigation. Our STEM events — including STEM day, science weeks, fairs, visitors, trips, and STEM ambassadors — build strong community links and enhance learning. We are proud to hold the Science Education Quality Mark (SEQM), using the context of space to inspire children and our annual Stargazing evening is a highlight of the school calendar.
By providing enjoyable yet challenging lessons, we strive to extend scientific knowledge and vocabulary, giving children the confidence to question, articulate ideas, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
Implementation
We believe that science is not just knowledge acquisition but also the development of concepts, skills, and positive attitudes towards enquiry. It provides a method for finding reliable answers and helps children make sense of the world at a personal, national, and global level.
As children progress, their enquiry skills become more sophisticated, requiring greater independence. Likewise, their conceptual understanding and vocabulary deepen over time. At Northgate, we foster this by creating classroom environments where questioning is valued, existing knowledge is explored, and children are active participants in their learning journey.
Where appropriate, science is integrated into wider curriculum themes to make learning purposeful and engaging. This begins in the EYFS, where children are encouraged to question, explore, and observe the natural world through hands-on experiences such as Forest School, water play, and guided activities.
Our curriculum is based on the Plymouth Science Scheme, developed by subject specialists in line with the National Curriculum. Experienced teachers at Northgate adapt these lessons to ensure full coverage of substantive knowledge alongside the development of disciplinary skills. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build on prior learning, ensuring progression in both knowledge and skills.
Teachers use formative assessment strategies — such as concept cartoons, retrieval questions, and KWL grids — to address misconceptions and personalise learning. Knowledge organisers and exposure to technical language in context support children in confidently using specialist vocabulary.
We enhance science learning through enrichment opportunities, including educational visits and visitors, such as the Explorer Dome, Space Detectives, Magnox, Earth Science Centre and involvement from local projects like the Tidal Barrier Project. These experiences spark curiosity and strengthen enquiry skills.
Science Week raises the profile of science across the school and provides children with opportunities for investigation and project-based learning. We promote high aspirations by celebrating the achievements of scientists past and present and connecting learning to current scientific developments, often through news and media.
We also ensure access to high-quality secondary sources and non-fiction texts through the Somerset Library Service, empowering children to conduct research both within lessons and independently.
SCHOOL SNAPSHOT
NORTHGATE PRIMARY SCHOOL
A creative and innovative place of learning.
