‘Science is fun. Science is curiosity. We all have natural curiosity. Science is a process of investigating. It’s posing questions and coming up with a method. It’s delving in.’

– Sally Ride

Science at Handale

At Handale, our science vision is to provide pupils with a curiosity and enthusiasm to find out about the world around them that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

We recognise that science has changed our lives and is vital to the worlds future prosperity and we aim to develop pupils whom are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Progressive teaching should enable pupils to develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries along with a secure understanding of each key block of knowledge and concepts.

As pupils progress they will build up an extended specialist vocabulary. Pupils will learn to use a variety of approaches to answer scientific questions, including, observing over time, pattern seeking, identifying, classifying and grouping, comparative and fair testing and researching.

Through high quality planning, teaching, resources, trips, visitors and assessment, children will leave Handale, knowing more, remembering more and understanding more about science.

At Handale we believe that high quality teaching and experiences will inspire children to think as scientists and be curious about the world around them.

Long Term Plan

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Year 1	Biology  Animals including Humans	Chemistry  Materials	Physics  Seasonal Change		Biology  Plants
Year 2	Biology  Living Things and their Habitats	Biology  Animals including Humans	Biology  Plants		Chemistry  Materials
Year 3	Biology  Plants	Physics  Light	Chemistry  Rocks	Physics  Forces	Biology Animals including Humans
Year 4	Biology  Animals including Humans	Biology  Living things and their Habitats	Chemistry   States of Matter	Physics  Electricity	Physics  Sound
Year 5	Biology   Animals including Humans	Biology  Living Things and their Habitats	Physics  Forces	Physics  Earth and Space	Chemistry  Properties and Changes in Materials
Year 6	Biology  Evolution and Inheritance	Biology  Animals including Humans	Biology  Living Things and their Habitats	Physics  Electricity	Physics  Light

Planning

For each unit of work, we have created an overview of skills, knowledge and vocabulary. Please see the example below.

Sequence of Learning

For each unit of work, we have created a sequence of learning. Please see the example below.

Retrieval Practice at Handale Primary School

At Handale, we understand the importance of retrieval practice in helping children embed knowledge into their long-term memory. Throughout the school day, pupils are given regular opportunities to revisit and recall prior learning, strengthening their understanding and building confidence.

Our day begins with a Knowledge Check, where pupils engage in short, focused questions designed to activate previous learning. This not only prepares them for the day ahead but also reinforces key concepts and vocabulary.

Teachers use skilful questioning techniques to assess understanding, address misconceptions and connect new learning to what pupils already know. Retrieval practice is woven into lessons across the curriculum, helping children retain and apply knowledge over time.

This consistent approach ensures that pupils are not just learning they are remembering, applying and building upon their knowledge in meaningful ways.