Science

Science Intent

At FreshSteps, we follow the PlanBee Science Primary curriculum, aiming to inspire curious young scientists. Our goal is to engage pupils in the National Curriculum objectives for Key Stages 1 and 2, ensuring a cohesive approach to progression throughout the year and addressing any gaps in learning. The curriculum fosters essential knowledge, concepts, and skills that serve as the foundation for lifelong learning. At FreshSteps, we want our pupils to develop resilience, independence, and confidence in their scientific inquiry, encouraging them to take risks, embrace challenges, and learn from mistakes within a supportive and nurturing environment.

Implementation

The PlanBee Science schemes of work provide teachers with detailed plans and necessary resources to deliver engaging, practical, and effective Science lessons. Each lesson covers a specific scientific objective, equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills to understand their world.

Key components include:

  • Slides for clear explanations of scientific concepts, challenging pupils to think scientifically.
  • Practical experiments and enquiries that help pupils understand the natural world.
  • Science resources such as activity cards, worksheets, and information sheets to assist in delivering effective lessons.
  • Mapped progression tables to help teachers track knowledge and skills development.

Teachers implement the PlanBee curriculum by teaching one of five schemes of work per year group each half term, leaving one half term for consolidation, revision, or extending science learning beyond the curriculum. Each scheme contains between five and seven lessons, which include:

  • A detailed lesson plan and teaching input slideshow,
  • Differentiated activities suited to individual needs,
  • Printable resources, and
  • A unique “Fancy something different” element tailored to pupils with alternative learning styles.

Impact

Since adopting the PlanBee Science Curriculum, FreshSteps has seen a surge in interest and enthusiasm for science among primary pupils. The engaging, hands-on approach has led to significant improvement in pupils' ability to think scientifically, and teachers have felt more confident in delivering the content. The curriculum ensures that all National Science Curriculum requirements are covered, and pupils are often extended beyond the basics.

Routine evaluations of pupils' progress help teachers adapt lesson planning, with data being shared with school leaders. This ongoing assessment allows for informed decisions about improving the quality of provision, moderating assessments, and benchmarking pupil outcomes against expectations.