Science

At Ribbon Academy, we believe that science helps children understand the world around them and inspires them to ask questions about how and why things happen. Through our carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and curiosity needed to think and work like scientists.

We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy with a secure understanding of scientific concepts, an appreciation of the role science plays in everyday life and the confidence to investigate the world through observation, enquiry and evidence.

Science equips children with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to understand natural phenomena, technological advances and global challenges, preparing them for future learning and life beyond the classroom.

Our science curriculum is carefully planned from Early Years to Year 6 to ensure children progressively develop both:

• Substantive knowledge (the scientific facts, concepts and ideas they need to know).
• Disciplinary knowledge (how scientists work, investigate, test and develop understanding). 

Learning is organised to build upon prior knowledge and help children make meaningful connections between different areas of science. Key learning is revisited and strengthened over time, enabling pupils to retain important knowledge and apply it confidently.

Through the study of biology, chemistry and physics, children develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of scientific concepts and the world around them.

At Ribbon Academy, children do not simply learn science; they learn how to think scientifically.

Throughout their learning, pupils are taught to:

• Ask thoughtful scientific questions.
• Make predictions and hypotheses.
• Observe carefully and over time.
• Plan and carry out investigations.
• Gather and interpret evidence.
• Identify patterns and relationships.
• Draw conclusions using evidence.
• Evaluate findings and suggest improvements. 

By regularly engaging in practical enquiry and investigation, children develop the skills needed to become independent and reflective scientists.

Our enquiry approach helps children understand that different scientific questions require different methods of investigation.

To support this, pupils are introduced to a range of enquiry types including:

• Pattern seeking.
• Observing over time.
• Research using secondary sources.
• Comparative and fair testing.
• Identifying, grouping and classifying. 

Our Enquiry Superheroes continue to help younger learners understand these different approaches and provide a memorable framework for developing scientific thinking.

Language plays a vital role in science.

Across the curriculum, pupils are explicitly taught ambitious scientific vocabulary, enabling them to:

• Explain concepts accurately.
• Discuss scientific ideas confidently.
• Read and understand scientific texts.
• Present findings using appropriate terminology. 

This focus on language supports both scientific understanding and wider communication skills, reflecting our commitment to developing confident communicators across the curriculum.

Science comes alive when children experience it first-hand.

Where possible, learning is enriched through:

• Educational visits.
• Outdoor learning opportunities.
• Fieldwork and environmental studies.
• Visitors and STEM experiences.
• Links to local and global scientific issues. 

These opportunities help pupils recognise the relevance of science in everyday life and inspire future aspirations.

Scientific thinking begins long before formal science lessons.

In Nursery and Reception, children develop their understanding of the world through exploration, observation, investigation and play. They are encouraged to:

• Notice patterns and changes.
• Explore natural materials.
• Ask questions about their environment.
• Observe plants, animals and seasonal change.
• Develop curiosity and wonder about the world around them.

These experiences provide the foundations upon which future scientific learning is built.

We believe that science should be accessible to every child.

Lessons are carefully designed to ensure all pupils can participate fully in scientific enquiry, develop secure knowledge and experience success. Practical investigations, discussion, visual models and carefully structured support enable all learners to engage meaningfully with scientific concepts and processes.

We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy as a scientist who:

• Is curious about the world around them.
• Thinks critically and asks questions.
• Uses evidence to support their ideas.
• Applies scientific knowledge to real-life situations.
• Understands the importance of science in shaping the future.
• Is prepared for the next stage of education and lifelong learning.