Science
At Westleigh Methodist Primary school, we endeavour to provide a Science Curriculum that not only follows National Curriculum guidance, but develops innovative, forward thinking pupils who are curious about the world around them.
Within our teaching of Science, we ensure our children gain a greater understanding of the knowledge they develop in lessons by providing them with opportunities to explore scientific theories and processes linked to real world experiences. Through this, they begin to understand how Science can be applied by real Scientists and become exposed to potential future career paths.
Children frequently plan and carry out Science experiments which often lead to further investigations. When asked about the subject children say that they love Science because they feel like 'real scientists' during their lessons.
Statutory Guidance KS1 and KS2 Science Curriculum
KEY STAGE 1
Year 1
- Plants (naming plants and trees, name basic parts of a plant)
- Animals, including humans (identify and name common animals including fish, comparing animals, naming parts of the human body)
- Everyday materials
- Seasonal changes
Year 2
- Living things and their habitats (comparing animate and inanimate objects, basic needs of animals and their habitats)
- Plants (seeds and bulbs, requirements for plant growth)
- Animals, including humans (human life cycle, basic needs of humans, exercise and health)
- Use of everyday materials
KEY STAGE 2
Year 3
- Plants (functions of a flowering plant, requirements for plant life and growth, plant life cycle)
- Animals, including humans (nutrition, skeleton and muscles)
- Rocks
- Light
- Forces and magnets
Year 4
- Living things and their habitats (grouping and classifying, environment)
- Animals, including humans (digestive system, teeth, food chains)
- States of matter
- Sound
- Electricity
Year 5
- Living things and their habitats (life cycles and life processes)
- Animals, including humans (human changes)
- Properties and changes of materials
- Earth and space
- Forces
Year 6
- Animals, including humans (circulatory system, exercise and lifestyle)
- Evolution and inheritance
- Light
- Electricity
Please find below our Science Curriculum Overview and Progression of Skills and Knowledge below.
Exciting Science Lessons
An Online Lesson on Sustainability and Farming - March 2025
Year 6 joined the NFU Science Week Farm Live, focusing on animal adaptations. We learnt about how various farm animals are adapted to live in different environments across the UK. The pupils were able to describe how the animals are adapted to their environment and how adaptations change over time.
A Lesson with Astronaut, Tim Peake - March 2025
Year 6 took part in a BBC live lesson with Tim Peake this week learning all about what life is like as an astronaut on board the space shuttle. They learnt about how they exercise for hours and why it is important. They also learnt about the types of food astronauts eat.
Science Careers Talk - Raising Aspirations at Westleigh Methodist - March 2025
Rebecca Williams, a former Westleigh High School pupil, came to visit us during Science Week to share her journey to becoming a scientist studying a PHD in neuroscience at Cambridge University. She talked about the adventures she’s had, such as teaching in China, and how important it is to follow your dreams to find a job that you love. The children had some fantastic questions for her and hopefully took some inspiration from her story about never giving up.
