a. Science: Intent, Implementation & Impact

Intent

At Aston Rowant, Science is practical, enquiry-rich and full of wonder. Rooted in our Christian vision of Growing Together, our intent is that all pupils:

• Develop secure scientific knowledge across biology, chemistry and physics, progressively revisited and deepened.
• Become confident in Working Scientifically: asking questions, predicting, planning enquiries, measuring accurately, analysing results, and evaluating improvements.
• Recognise Science in action - how science shapes lives now and in the future, and the ethical choices it raises.
• Experience joy and success in Science regardless of starting point or need, building vocabulary, oracy and resilience.

Kapow’s mixed-age scheme provides a spiral curriculum with clear progression, “Making connections” units, and explicit Working Scientifically strands that are embedded in content (not taught in isolation).

Implementation

• Kapow Mixed-Age (Cycle A/B): We follow the standard Kapow mixed-age long-term plan (Y1/2, Y3/4, Y5/6) to secure full National Curriculum coverage and progression.
• Five enquiry types appear across the year: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying/classifying; comparative/fair testing; researching with secondary sources.
• Lesson design emphasises recap and retrieval, precise vocabulary, modelling, hands-on investigation, data handling and reflection.
• Outdoor learning and local links (e.g., garden, wildlife, seasonal change logs, soil and habitat studies) extend classroom learning.
• Enrichment (British Science Week themes 2024–2026) amplifies awe & wonder and gives pupils real “scientist” experiences (live links, visiting experts, whole-school investigations).
• Inclusion & adaptive teaching: scaffolded enquiries, visual steps, pre-teaching of vocabulary, alternative recording, precision teaching and high expectations for all, including SEND.

Impact

We evaluate impact through:

• Pupil outcomes (knowledge and vocabulary, accurate practical work, secure methods).
• Progress in Working Scientifically (age-appropriate independence, accuracy and analysis).
• Pupil voice — children talk about Science with excitement and ownership (e.g., “Chromatography was like solving a mystery,” “My code worked! I landed on Mars!”).
• A visible culture of curiosity, collaboration and joy — seen in books, displays, outdoor learning and enrichment evidence. Kapow’s “spiral curriculum” and “Making connections” design support robust retention and application across cycles.