At St Michael’s CE Primary, science is a vital part of our enquiry-based approach to learning. We believe that children learn best when they are encouraged to be curious, to ask meaningful questions and to explore the world around them. Science sits at the heart of this approach, helping pupils to deepen their understanding of how our world works while developing the essential skills of scientific enquiry.

Our Science curriculum nurtures pupils’ natural curiosity, promotes respect for living things and the environment, and builds the foundations for confident, inquisitive learners. Through hands-on experiences, investigation and exploration, children learn to think like scientists—observing carefully, making predictions, testing ideas and drawing thoughtful conclusions.

We have designed a carefully sequenced curriculum that systematically develops ‘Working Scientifically’ skills from Early Years to Year 6. These include:

• Asking questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways

• Planning and carrying out research, observations and investigations

• Using scientific equipment with increasing accuracy

• Gathering, recording and presenting data

• Using evidence to form conclusions and build scientific arguments

• Communicating findings using rich and precise scientific vocabulary

As pupils move through school, these skills are built upon year by year, ensuring a strong progression of knowledge and understanding.

Our aim is for children to confidently apply what they know: using equipment safely and effectively, carrying out experiments and investigations, and explaining their thinking with clarity. Above all, we want our pupils to remain curious—continuing to ask questions about the world and seeking answers through exploration and enquiry.

To strengthen pupils’ understanding and enrich their learning, science-themed key texts are woven into our English curriculum. High-quality fiction, non-fiction and poetry are chosen to complement science enquiries, deepen subject knowledge and broaden vocabulary.

Examples include:

• Narrative texts that spark curiosity about habitats, materials or space

• Non-fiction books that model how scientists communicate findings

• Poetry that celebrates the natural world and encourages descriptive scientific language

OUR OUTDOOR SPACES

We are incredibly fortunate to have some wonderful outdoor learning spaces at St Michael's. 

Our Sensory Garden offers a place for our pupils to explore sounds, scents and textures. 

Within this space we also have our very own St Michael's growing garden, where pupils plant seeds, fruit and vegetables. Our Woodland and KS1 wellbeing garden is a fabulous place to learn and play. Our pupils use this area to observe seasonal changes through the changing plants and learn about living things, habitats and ecosystems in these areas. 

We also have our outdoor classroom - so we can carry on learning ‘in the great outdoors’ even if the weather is wet.