Science at Co-op Academy Medlock

'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 

Intent

At Co-op Academy Medlock, science is an integral part of our broad and balanced curriculum. We believe that every child should develop a sense of excitement, curiosity, and wonder about the world around them. Our aim is for pupils to understand how science can explain what is happening, predict how things behave, and analyse cause and effect.

Through a carefully structured and progressive curriculum, pupils build knowledge and skills that help them make sense of natural phenomena and recognise the importance of science in their everyday lives. They are equipped with the scientific understanding needed to appreciate the uses and implications of science today and in the future.

Our curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) and the National Curriculum, ensuring clear progression across all year groups. We also celebrate diversity within science, recognising the contributions of people from different backgrounds throughout history and helping pupils understand their potential as future global citizens. Science at Medlock encourages children to see how discoveries of the past influence innovation and sustainability in the modern world.

Implementation

Science is taught by class teachers, supported by the subject leads, following a consistent, research-informed approach.

In the Early Years, pupils experience a holistic approach that blends guided, adult-led, and child-initiated activities, both indoors and outdoors. Emphasis is placed on nurturing curiosity, encouraging children to ask questions about the world, and developing early enquiry skills. Half-termly Understanding the World topics help children make sense of their surroundings, exploring materials, plants, animals, and seasonal change. These topics build vocabulary, knowledge, and confidence, laying firm foundations for Key Stage 1.

As pupils progress through Years 1–6, learning builds upon the foundations of the EYFS through a carefully sequenced curriculum. Medium-term plans, written by the subject leader, ensure coverage and progression that go beyond the National Curriculum. Units revisit key concepts so pupils can deepen their understanding over time.

Each unit develops both substantive knowledge (key scientific facts and concepts) and disciplinary knowledge (how scientists work and think). Pupils are encouraged to question, investigate, record, and evaluate, making meaningful links across the disciplines of biology, chemistry, and physics. Lessons are designed to promote critical thinking, where pupils justify their ideas using evidence and reasoning through discussion and reflection.

Reading and vocabulary are at the heart of our approach. Scientific language is explicitly taught and revisited so that all pupils can access core knowledge and communicate their understanding clearly. Science also connects to other curriculum areas, giving children real opportunities to apply literacy, numeracy, and enquiry skills in meaningful contexts.

We enrich science learning through trips and partnerships. Our proximity to Manchester’s museums, parks, and the University of Manchester’s STEM department provides pupils with hands-on experiences that inspire and broaden their understanding of how science shapes the world around them.

Impact

Assessment in science is continuous and purposeful. Teachers and subject leaders gather evidence from a range of sources — including observation, discussion, written work, and low-stakes assessments — to evaluate pupils’ understanding.

Each half term, pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2 complete a TAPS (Teacher Assessment in Primary Science) activity to support judgements of ‘Working Scientifically’. End-of-unit Google quizzes provide a summative view of knowledge retention, while any gaps identified are used to inform future planning. 

Pupils at Co-op Academy Medlock demonstrate enthusiasm for science and take pride in their learning. They show curiosity, resilience, and creativity as they explore the world around them. By the time they leave, our pupils are confident investigators who can ask questions, test ideas, and draw conclusions — equipped with the knowledge, skills, and curiosity to thrive as lifelong learners and future scientists.