Science Curriculum
Science National CurriculumScience Curriculum
The aim of science teaching at North Ealing Primary School (NEPS) is to inspire, nurture and feed children’s natural curiosity about the world around them and all its phenomena. We encourage them to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), learning follows the Development Matters guidance, supporting children to develop an early understanding of the world through People and Communities and The Natural World.
All other science teaching follows the National Curriculum and covers the three key disciplines: biology, chemistry and physics. Our science curriculum is carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge, deepen conceptual understanding and develop scientific skills progressively. Children learn about the nature, processes and methods of science through a range of enquiries, including observing over time, pattern-seeking, identifying, classifying and grouping, comparative and fair testing and research using secondary sources.
We place a strong emphasis on developing scientific vocabulary, enabling pupils to articulate their understanding clearly, ask questions and think analytically. Through our NEPS 5Es approach—Engage, Explain, Explore, Elaborate and Evaluate—pupils experience a rich, hands-on curriculum, including practical investigations, workshops, trips and interactions with professionals.
As part of our curriculum, pupils learn about a diverse range of scientists from different backgrounds, cultures and time periods, helping them to see themselves reflected in the subject and understand the wide-reaching impact of scientific discovery. This promotes inclusion, raises aspirations and challenges stereotypes about who can be a scientist.
Children leave NEPS with a wide range of scientific knowledge and investigative skills, a rich vocabulary to explain their understanding and high aspirations for future learning. Pupils’ progress is carefully assessed through observations, practical investigations, recorded work, questioning and the application of scientific skills across topics, ensuring that both understanding and enquiry are consistently developed.
We also offer a fun, hands-on, STEM-inspired after-school club, closely linked to the National Curriculum, to further enrich pupils’ scientific experiences.
Occupational Therapy Support
● Hands-on exploration: OT strategies support sensory integration and physical coordination, enabling pupils to actively participate in experiments and practical activities.
● Engagement and focus: Visual schedules, structured routines, and clear instructions help pupils maintain attention during scientific enquiry.
● Fine motor skills: Manipulating tools, equipment, and materials develops precision, hand-eye coordination, and practical skills needed for experiments.
● Sequencing and problem-solving: Pupils use OT strategies to plan, organise, and follow multi-step scientific procedures, supporting logical thinking and independent investigation.