Strands used throughout (embedded in content):

• Asking questions & predicting
• Planning enquiries & choosing equipment
• Measuring & observing accurately
• Recording & presenting data (tables, charts)
• Analysing results, drawing conclusions, evaluating and improving
• Recognising enquiry types (observe over time; pattern seeking; identify/classify; fair test; research)

EYFS: Curiosity routines (“I notice / I wonder”), simple measuring & sorting, observing change (plants, weather), vocabulary in play.

KS1: Name equipment; compare & group; simple tests; standard units where appropriate; pictograms/block charts; “because” sentences; link results to predictions.

LKS2: Select equipment; improve reliability (repeats); bar/line graphs; variables in simple comparative tests; evaluate patterns; use secondary sources appropriately.

UKS2: Plan full enquiries; control/measure variables; precision and range; repeated measures; line graphs & averages where appropriate; critique evidence and method limits; link findings to scientific knowledge and real-world uses.

Our progression mirrors Kapow’s explicit WS strand and enquiry cycle, ensuring disciplinary knowledge builds year-on-year.

 

Scientific Enquiry Types

At Aston Rowant School, pupils are taught to work scientifically through a range of scientific enquiry types, in line with the National Curriculum and the Kapow Primary Science framework. These enquiry types are revisited and developed progressively across the school, enabling pupils to build confidence, independence, and precision in their scientific thinking. 

The enquiry approach selected is purposeful and appropriate to the scientific question being explored, ensuring that pupils understand not only what they are learning, but how scientific knowledge is developed. 

The five enquiry types taught and applied across the school are: 

1. Observing Over Time 

Pupils observe and record changes and processes over time, identifying similarities, differences, and patterns. This supports the development of careful observation skills and helps pupils understand natural cycles and processes, such as growth, seasonal change, and life cycles. 

2. Fair Testing 

Pupils plan and carry out controlled investigations, learning to identify variables, predict outcomes, and ensure tests are fair. As pupils progress, they develop increasing understanding of reliability, accuracy, and drawing valid conclusions. 

3. Identifying and Classifying 

Pupils group, sort, and classify living and non‑living things based on observable characteristics. This enquiry type supports the development of comparison skills and helps pupils organise scientific information logically. 

4. Pattern Seeking 

Pupils look for relationships and patterns in results and observations where controlled testing is not appropriate. This supports early data interpretation skills and helps pupils recognise trends and links between variables. 

5. Research 

Pupils use secondary sources, such as books, digital media, and presentations, to explore scientific ideas beyond first‑hand investigation. This enquiry type supports vocabulary development, knowledge acquisition, and understanding of how scientific information is shared. 

Progression and Application 

These enquiry types are explicitly taught, modelled, and revisited across all year groups, with expectations increasing as pupils move through the school. Teachers support pupils to select appropriate enquiry approaches, record findings using age‑appropriate methods, and explain outcomes using accurate scientific language. 

Through regular opportunities to apply these enquiry types, pupils develop a secure understanding of how science works as a discipline and grow in confidence as independent and collaborative learners.