Science at Hethersett VC Primary School

We believe science should inspire curiosity, develop understanding, and encourage critical thinking. A high-quality science curriculum helps pupils explore the world around them, understand how it works, and ask meaningful questions.

Our aims are to:

• Provide a broad and balanced curriculum, covering all National Curriculum units
• Develop enquiry skills, encouraging investigation, observation, and evaluation
• Promote respect for living things and the environment, fostering responsibility for our planet

Our Approach

• At Key Stage 2, pupils study five National Curriculum units weekly for 1½–2 hours

• At Key Stage 1, units may be taught in blocks for deeper focus
• In Foundation Stage, science builds knowledge of the world through play and exploration

We teach through hands-on investigations, critical thinking, and real-world connections, mapping all five enquiry types across key stages. Lessons include knowledge organisers, vocabulary development, and home learning links to reinforce understanding.

Beyond the curriculum, pupils learn about influential scientists and their achievements, inspiring interest in future careers and pathways in science.

Our goal is for every child to leave Hethersett VC Primary School as a curious, informed, and confident learner, ready to explore and understand the world.

Planetarium visit

On Monday 27th June, we were visited by Mark from Starlight Stem who brought along his giant planetarium. The whole school were invited to shows which explored the sun, moon, stars and various planets and their moons. Although it was pretty hot inside, we all learned lots! We  study the Seasons in Reception and KS 1, light and shadows in years 3 and 6 and the main unit of astronomy falls in the year 5 - 'Earth and Space'. Year 5 were invited to bring their parents back for an additional after school session.