Science
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Intent
At Mount Pleasant Primary, we believe every child is entitled to a high-quality science education that nurtures curiosity, develops understanding of the natural world and prepares pupils for life in an increasingly scientific and technological society.
Through the CUSP Science curriculum, children build a secure understanding of biology, chemistry and physics. Our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully sequenced so that pupils develop the knowledge and understanding they need for future learning and for life beyond primary school.
We place a strong emphasis on both substantive knowledge - the scientific facts, concepts and principles children need to know - and disciplinary knowledge, which helps pupils understand how scientific knowledge is developed, refined and communicated. Key ideas, high-quality vocabulary and retrieval practice are revisited regularly to strengthen understanding and secure learning in long-term memory.
Implementation
Working scientifically is embedded throughout the curriculum rather than taught separately. Pupils progressively develop the skills to ask questions, make observations, identify patterns, plan and carry out enquiries, use evidence and communicate findings with increasing accuracy.
Lessons follow a consistent structure to reduce cognitive load and support access for all learners. Prior learning is revisited regularly, misconceptions are addressed through responsive teaching, and discussion is used to help pupils explain their thinking using precise scientific language. Assessment is ongoing and used to shape future teaching.
Children also benefit from a range of enrichment opportunities throughout the year, including visits to local parks, Yorkshire Wildlife Park and an annual whole-school science day, where pupils explore a shared scientific theme in depth.
Impact
By the end of Year 6, pupils leave Mount Pleasant with a secure body of scientific knowledge, a clear understanding of how science works and the confidence to question, investigate and reason scientifically. They are well prepared for the demands of secondary science and equipped with the curiosity and critical thinking skills needed to engage with the world around them.