Across the Black Country Federation, we see science as the lens through which children explore, understand, and question the world around them. It sparks curiosity, develops critical thinking, and allows pupils to gain a deep understanding of the natural world, physical phenomena, and the processes that govern them.

Our science curriculum is built around CUSP (Curriculum with Unity Schools Partnership), an evidence-based, knowledge-rich approach that ensures pupils develop:

• Substantive Knowledge– Core scientific concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics, sequenced for long-term retention.
• Disciplinary Knowledge– Scientific enquiry skills, including working scientifically, investigating, analysing, and interpreting data.
• Vocabulary Development– Explicit teaching of tiered vocabulary, helping pupils communicate scientific ideas precisely.
• Cumulative Learning– Knowledge builds progressively, linking prior learning with new concepts for a coherent understanding.
• Real-World Relevance– Science lessons connect to everyday life, careers, and the wider world, making learning meaningful and inspiring.

Our aim is for every child to leave our school as a confident, analytical thinker who can apply scientific knowledge, ask thoughtful questions, and seek solutions to problems.

A Knowledge-Rich, Systematic Science Curriculum

The CUSP Science Curriculum offers a clear, structured approach, with knowledge carefully sequenced and interwoven to support understanding and retention.

Key Principles of the CUSP Science Model:

• Three Distinct Disciplines– Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are taught explicitly to ensure depth and rigour.
• Conceptual Coherence– Scientific knowledge and skills build progressively from EYFS to Year 6.
• Working Scientifically– Pupils develop skills in questioning, observing, classifying, testing, measuring, and analysing data.
• Addressing Misconceptions– Teaching clearly distinguishes scientific truths from common misunderstandings.
• Scientific Literacy– Teaching and using scientific vocabulary supports clear communication of ideas.

Through this approach, pupils do more than learn facts—they learn to think, reason, and work scientifically.

Science in the Early Years: Building Foundations

In EYFS, children begin their scientific journey through the “Understanding the World” curriculum, focusing on:

• Observing the Natural World– Noticing plants, animals, weather, and seasonal changes.
• Early Scientific Vocabulary– Learning words to describe objects, materials, and living things.
• Exploring Cause and Effect– Investigating growth, change, and reactions through simple experiments.
• Encouraging Curiosity– Structured play-based activities promote questioning and exploration.

These foundations prepare children for Key Stage 1 with strong curiosity and scientific awareness.

The Structure of a CUSP Science Lesson

Each lesson follows a structured, research-informed approach to support understanding and scientific thinking:

1. Connect– Link new concepts to prior knowledge.
2. Explain– Introduce and define key vocabulary; teacher-led explanations.
3. Example– Model scientific thinking, processes, and practical techniques.
4. Attempt– Guided practice with scaffolding and questioning.
5. Apply– Independent investigations, analysis, or explanations.
6. Challenge– Higher-order thinking, evaluating ideas, drawing conclusions, and exploring real-world connections.

This method ensures pupils actively engage in discovery, developing confidence and investigative skills.

Working Scientifically: Developing the Skills of a Scientist

Science is about thinking and working like a scientist. Pupils develop skills in:

• Observing and Classifying– Identifying patterns and relationships.
• Measuring and Testing– Conducting fair tests to explore cause and effect.
• Experimenting and Predicting– Forming hypotheses and testing ideas.
• Researching and Explaining– Using sources to deepen understanding and communicate findings.
• Interpreting Data– Recording, analysing, and presenting results clearly.

These skills are taught progressively, ensuring pupils become confident scientific thinkers.

Progression Across Key Stages

Key Stage 1: Exploring the Natural World

• Biology: Animals, plants, habitats, life cycles.
• Chemistry: Everyday materials and their properties.
• Physics: Seasonal changes, light, and simple forces.
• Working Scientifically: Observing, classifying, testing, and recording results.

Lower Key Stage 2: Building Knowledge and Enquiry

• Biology: Nutrition, skeletons, muscles, plants, ecosystems.
• Chemistry: Rocks, materials, states of matter.
• Physics: Forces, magnets, sound, electricity.
• Working Scientifically: Comparative testing, predicting, measuring, and explaining findings.

Upper Key Stage 2: Deepening Understanding

• Biology: Circulatory system, evolution, classification, adaptation.
• Chemistry: Properties of materials, irreversible changes, separation techniques.
• Physics: Electricity, light, Earth and space, complex forces.
• Working Scientifically: Designing investigations, analysing patterns, evaluating results.

This progression prepares pupils for KS3 and beyond.

Science in the Real World

Pupils are encouraged to see science as relevant and impactful through:

• Careers in Science– Learning about scientists, engineers, and innovators.
• Environmental and Ethical Science– Understanding sustainability and climate change.
• STEM Opportunities– Exploring engineering, computing, and medical sciences.
• Cross-Curricular Links– Connecting science with history, geography, and technology.

The curriculum promotes curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation, showing science as a living, evolving discipline.

Assessment and Feedback

• Formative Assessment– Daily questioning, discussion, and feedback.
• End-of-Unit Checks– Quizzes and knowledge retrieval exercises.
• Practical Investigations– Demonstrating skills through hands-on tasks.
• Pupil Voice– Encouraging pupils to explain their understanding verbally and in writing.

This approach ensures pupils make sustained progress, with support targeted to their needs.

The Impact of Our Science Curriculum

By the time pupils leave our school, they are:

• Scientifically Literate– Confidently engaging with scientific ideas.
• Curious and Analytical– Able to investigate and solve problems.
• Articulate Communicators– Using scientific language to explain ideas.
• Prepared for the Future– Ready to succeed in KS3 science and beyond.

Further Information

For more details, including CUSP Science knowledge documents, curriculum overviews, and home science activities, please contact our Curriculum Lead, Tom Amphlett, at info@brierley.dudley.sch.uk.