Science
Science
Science at Handcross Primary
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Science Curriculum
We aim to provide an engaging science curriculum which builds upon children's natural curiosity and develops essential skills such as perseverance, questioning, open-mindedness, critical thinking and co-operation. We offer children first-hand experiences of the world around them through making the most of the outdoor environments in school and within our locality.
As well as teaching substantive scientific knowledge and building conceptual understanding, disciplinary knowledge is developed in each area of study so that children learn how to work scientifically. This includes observing changes over time, comparative and fair testing, identifying, classifying, pattern seeking and researching. The curriculum is carefully planned so that knowledge and skills in these areas develop and build as the children progress through each year group.
In EYFS, children learn about science by exploring the world around them. This includes daily access to our outdoor classroom, garden and mud kitchen. Adults build upon children's natural curiosity by encouraging investigation and developing their vocabulary through questioning and extending tasks. This provides a solid foundation for future science learning.
In Key Stage 1, science is embedded in cross-curricular topics which engage and excite the children. In Key Stage 2, science is taught as a discreet subject and follows the programmes of study for each year group in the national curriculum. In all year groups, key concepts such as seasonal changes are revisited throughout the year, through continuous provision and our visits to Nymans gardens.
We celebrate science, technology, engineering and maths each year during STEM Week. Please see our STEM week videos for an insight into these enriching weeks:
Science Information
Primary National Curriculum - Science
Curriculum Intent Statement for Science
Handcross Primary Working Scientifically Progression Document
Handcross Primary Substantive Knowledge Progression Document
Science Whole School Long Term Plan
STEM Week 2026
Eco Warriors
Our Eco Warrior team (children from Y3-6) meet weekly with enthusiasm and determination, working collaboratively towards the goals set out in their annual action plan. This year, they have already made a meaningful impact across the school community by successfully campaigning to ban glitter, helping to reduce harmful microplastics. They have also organised a popular second-hand toy sale, promoting reuse and reducing waste, while raising awareness about sustainable choices and raising £160 to spend on books to raise awareness of eco issues and resources to improve biodiversity on our school site. In addition, the team has been actively encouraging all pupils to take greater responsibility for the environment by using our battery recycling point and food waste bins within the school. Through their dedication and leadership, the Eco Warriors continue to inspire positive change and a shared commitment to protecting our planet.
Our recent achievements:
2023-24 Eco Schools Award and Wastebuster Bronze Award
2024-25 Wastebuster Silver Award
2025-26 Wastebuster Silver Award achieved in Spring, aiming to achieve Gold by the end of the year.
A Bumble Bee Friendly School
Handcross Primary School has become a Bumblebee-Friendly School and gained a Silver Bee Conservation Award. We’ve learnt that we have lost 97% of our wildflower-rich meadows since the 1940s. The children understand that the number of flowers in our countryside have declined, so too have our bumblebee pollinators, and they need our help!
As part of this, we have had a whole school assembly about the importance of protecting bees. All classes have planted pollinator friendly seeds in our meadow. Caterpillars then made some bee nests that will hopefully invite bees into our meadow area. Children in Years R-5 will have also had the chance to meet Tony De Saulles, the author of Bee Boy to inspire their continued passion and love for bees!
