Science
Science: Statement of Intent
Gather Data
Ask Questions
Perform Tests
Make Observations
Use Equipment
Analyse Data
Purpose of Study:
A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Who is a Lexden Scientist?
A Lexden Scientist asks questions and is curious about the world around them.
A Lexden Scientist can use equipment to perform a range of tests and make accurate observations.
A Lexden Scientist can gather, record and present data in different ways.
A Lexden Scientist is able to confidently use scientific knowledge to predict, reason and answer questions about natural phenomena.
A Lexden Scientist can communicate scientifically.
A Lexden Scientist is able to use scientific knowledge to make links across the curriculum and the outside world.
It is important that children are able to do these when they leave primary school as these objectives are fundamental to the scientific discipline and should therefore adequately prepare them for their future scientific education. It also provides them with an understanding of the world around them and encourages them to think critically and evaluate information, a skill which is becoming vital in our information rich world.
Key elements to our Science Curriculum:
- Purposeful hands on and engaging learning opportunities to encourage the development of scientific understanding and skills.
- Objectives across all strands of ‘working scientifically’ are revisited and embedded within and across year groups to ensure cumulative fluency of scientific enquiry, processes and methods.
- Revisiting of content where appropriate to ensure depth of understanding.
- Connections made within and across subject areas and to the wider world to encourage scientific curiosity.
Lexden Science Week
As part of Lexden Science Week, we were thrilled to welcome the incredible Science Dude to our school for a truly unforgettable assembly all about the wonders of science. With his energetic style and fascinating experiments, he captured everyone’s attention from start to finish. The children were amazed as he demonstrated a range of exciting scientific reactions, explaining the principles behind them in a fun and engaging way. There were gasps, cheers and plenty of wide-eyed wonder — especially when he even set things on fire to show how certain reactions work!
Throughout the week, each class also became scientists in their own right, conducting a range of exciting investigations as they worked towards earning a CREST Award. Pupils asked questions, made predictions and carried out experiments, developing their teamwork and problem-solving skills along the way. It has been a fantastic celebration of curiosity, discovery and hands-on learning across the whole school.
Science Subject Overview
Gardening Club
Our school has recently begun developing a new garden alongside the launch of our gardening club. Pupils have taken an active role in preparing the space, planting a variety of spring bulbs to bring colour and life to the area as the seasons change. They have also created their own bird feeders to encourage more wildlife into the garden, helping them understand how small actions can support local ecosystems and biodiversity. We also took part in National Children’s Gardening Week, during which every child in the school planted their own seeds to take home and nurture as they grow.
Year 4 Science & Geography Trip
Year 4 recently visited Flatford Mill to deepen their learning in Science and Geography. During the trip, pupils carried out fieldwork to explore how a river’s width, depth and flow speed change along its course from source to sea. They also took part in pond dipping, investigating the diverse wildlife found in freshwater habitats and using classification keys to identify the species they discovered.
Dinosaurs in EYFS
Reception have been learning about Mary Anning and exploring the fascinating world of fossils. Through hands-on activities in their provision, the children have experimented with using a chisel to carefully uncover hidden “fossils,” helping them understand how real palaeontologists work. They have also been drawing fossils and bones, closely observing their shapes and patterns to deepen their understanding of what these ancient remains can tell us about the past.
Year 5 Parachute Experiment
Year 5 have been investigating how the size of a parachute influences the amount of air resistance it experiences. After discussing the forces involved, pupils designed and created parachutes of different sizes using a range of materials. They then tested each one in controlled drops, observing how changes in surface area affected the parachute’s descent and recording their results to compare the impact of air resistance across their designs.
Year 4 States of Matter Exploration
Year 4 have been developing their understanding of states of matter by exploring materials that are more challenging to classify. After revisiting the properties of solids, liquids and gases, pupils investigated examples such as rice, honey and oobleck, discussing how each one behaves and why they don’t fit neatly into a single category. Through hands-on exploration, they compared textures, movement and shape, using their observations to decide how these unusual materials might best be described and what this reveals about the complexity of states of matter.
STEAM Club
Our After-School STEAM Club is an exciting place where curiosity, creativity, and teamwork come together. Each week, students explore activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, taking part in hands-on projects that encourage problem-solving and innovation. From building simple machines and experimenting with science investigations to designing creative art-tech projects, the club gives children the chance to learn new skills in a fun and supportive environment. It’s a space where ideas are shared, mistakes become learning opportunities, and students develop confidence while discovering how STEAM shapes the world around them.