At Highcliffe, we believe that Science should stimulate and excite children’s curiosity about the world around them. Following the CUSP scheme of work, progressive teaching of key knowledge and concepts, allow children to build on prior learning and make connections. A guiding principle of CUSP Science is that each study builds upon the cumulative knowledge taught from year 1 onwards, and gives children opportunities to associate and connect significant scientific concepts, over time, and with increasing expertise and knowledge.

Key principles that underpin our teaching and children’s learning include place knowledge, vocabulary, working and thinking scientifically. 

We aim to provide vast experiences through excellent use of our local area to inspire children to be curious about the world around them. Children are given regular opportunity to work outside of the classroom to embed concepts and enhance learning in the classroom. 

AutumnSpringSummer
Year 1
Seasonal changes and daily weather
Introduce Plants (Trees)
Animals, including humans
Animals, including humans
Everyday materials
Plants
Revisit: Plants: Animals including humans
Year 2
Living things and their habitats
Animals, including humans
Uses of everyday materials
Revisit: Living things and their habitats
Plants
Revisit: Living things and their habitats
Year 3
Rocks
Animals, including humans
Revisit: Rocks
Forces and magnets
Plants
Light
Year 4
Living things and their habitats
States of matter
Animals, including humansElectricity
Sound
Year 5
Forces (Gravity and Galileo)
Earth in space
Light
Living things and their habitats
Living things and their habitats continued
Evolution and inheritance