At Latchford St James, following the Plymouth Science scheme of work, we believe that high-quality science teaching should spark and nurture pupils’ natural curiosity, while supporting them to reach their full potential. To succeed in science, our children need to develop key scientific skills and enjoy engaging in meaningful scientific enquiry. This helps them explore and answer questions about the world around them.
We encourage our pupils to think critically, remember key concepts, ask their own questions, and work together to find answers. Our children are supported in leading their own investigations and becoming confident, independent scientists.
In line with the National Curriculum for Science (2014), our science teaching aims to ensure that all pupils:
We understand that it is important for lessons to have a skills-based focus, and that the knowledge can be taught through this. We have adapted the Plymouth Science scheme to meet the specific needs of our children, ensuring they can apply their learning in meaningful ways within and around our local area.
IMPLEMENTATION
At Latchford St James, we implement the Plymouth Science Scheme of Work as a carefully structured, progressive curriculum that supports the development of scientific knowledge, skills, and vocabulary across all year groups. Lessons are sequenced to build on prior learning, allowing children to revisit and deepen their understanding over time. Through a balance of practical investigations, exploratory activities, and high-quality questioning, our pupils are encouraged to think scientifically and make meaningful connections between concepts.
The Science curriculum has been designed to make use of our local area and school grounds. Within each topic, there has been a carefully selected enrichment activity to ensure learning is meaningful and includes cross-curricular opportunities. This ensures science remains engaging, relevant, and accessible for all children, helping them to develop as confident, curious, and capable scientists.
IMPACT
At Latchford St James, we are proud to provide our children with a high-quality science education that is fun, engaging, and memorable. Our positive and inclusive approach ensures that every child is given the foundation, knowledge and skills needed to understand the world around them. By making links with our local environment, we offer rich, practical experiences that allow pupils to explore and develop scientific skills in meaningful ways.
Through enrichment opportunities and connections in our local area, children gain a real sense of how science shapes our lives and the world we live in today. We engage pupils in conversations about careers in science, helping them understand that science is for everyone and can be part of many different jobs and pathways. Children are encouraged to recognise how science is used in their own families and communities, helping them to see themselves as scientists.
By celebrating diverse scientists and exploring real-world applications of science, our pupils develop confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging in the subject. As a result, at the end of Key Stage 2, children at Latchford St James will be motivated learners with a secure understanding of scientific concepts and a genuine enjoyment of science.
UNICEF RIGHTS RESPECTING AND OUR CHRISTIAN VALUES
At Latchford St James, Christian Values are woven through everything we do and teach. We use an adapted version of the Plymouth Science Scheme of Work to deliver an engaging and purposeful science curriculum that reflects and promotes our core Christian values.
The scheme nurtures a sense of awe and wonder in God’s creation, inspiring children to explore the beauty, complexity, and order of the natural world with love and respect. As pupils work together on investigations and enquiries, they develop strong friendships, learning to listen, share ideas, and support one another. Our value of perseverance is evident as children are encouraged to question, experiment, and keep going when faced with challenges in their learning. Through collaborative tasks and real-world applications of science, pupils show kindness and compassion, especially when considering the impact of scientific discoveries on people, animals, and the environment. By embedding our Christian values into our science teaching, we help children grow into thoughtful, responsible, and curious individuals who care deeply about the world and their role within it.
